Macrocyclic supramolecular biomaterials in anti-cancer therapeutics

Abstract

Macrocyclic supramolecular complexes demonstrate the dynamic potential to solve global biomedical challenges, a promising cancer treatment modality. The macrocyclic system is an important heterocyclic system widely present in natural products and synthetic molecules. The unique structural feature of macrocyclic supramolecular complexes with desirable donor & acceptor characteristics is beneficial for readily binding with various enzymes and receptors in biological systems through diverse weak interactions, thereby exhibiting broad bioactivities. Macrocyclic-related research and macrocyclic molecules-based medicinal chemistry developments have become rapidly developing areas of study. Numerous macrocyclic-based molecules as clinical drugs have been extensively used in the clinic to treat various diseases with high therapeutic potency. This critically analyzed work systematically reviews current developments of macrocyclic supramolecular complexes-based compounds in the range of medicinal chemistry as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic agents, together with their potential applications in diagnostics and pathology. This review will be helpful for medicinal chemistry researchers to develop new thoughts in the quest for rational designs of more active and less toxic macrocyclic supramolecular complexes-based medicinal drugs, as well as more effective diagnostic agents and pathologic probes.