Multistimuli responsive RNA amphiphilic polymeric assembly constructed by calixpyridinium-based supramolecular interactions

Abstract

In this work, a new type of RNA amphiphilic polymeric assembly was constructed by macrocycle-based supramolecular interactions, in which calixpyridinium was employed as the macrocyclic host. Benefitting from the probable electrostatic interactions between the pyridine cations in calixpyridinium and the phosphate anions in RNA, and the probable charge-transfer interactions between the electron-deficient pyridine cations in calixpyridinium and the electron-rich base pairs in RNA, this amphiphilic polymeric assembly could occur at a very low concentration. This polymeric assembly had superior stability and exhibited multistimuli responsiveness. The effective binding of RNA to calixpyridinium could lead to a p K a shift of the acidic methylene bridges in calixpyridinium. The RNase A-triggered disassembly of the aggregates and release of the loaded drugs suggested that this polymeric assembly was potentially applicable as a targeted drug delivery material particularly at the tissue where RNase A was overexpressed. • A new type of RNA assembly was constructed by macrocycle-based supramolecular interactions. • This assembly had superior stability and exhibited multistimuli responsiveness. • This assembly was potentially applicable as a targeted drug delivery material.