Fabrication of a β-cyclodextrin-based self-assembly containing a redox-responsive ferrocene

The current research involves fabrication of a redox-responsive self-assembly system based on a ferrocene (Fc)-containing beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) derivative (beta CD-EG-Fc). beta CD-EG-Fc was synthesized, and its redox-sensitive self-assembly behavior was investigated using various techniques. On the basis of the intermolecular host-guest recognition between the beta-CD group and the Fc moiety, beta CD-EG-Fc primarily formed network-like structures and then vesicles following aging for a specified time. The formation of these structures was primarily driven by hydrogen bonding. Conversely, the oxidized molecules (beta CD-EG-Fc(+)) self-assembled into cationic vesicles with the absence of host-guest complexation. Upon controlling the oxidation and reduction of Fc/Fc(+), reversible aggregate transformation was achieved. The current study resulted in a deeper understanding of beta-CD/Fc redox-responsive self-assemblies and contributed to the development of a single-component host-guest inclusion model.