Photoresponsive Supramolecular Complexes as Efficient DNA Regulator

Two supramolecular complexes of trans-1⊂CB[8] and trans-2⊂CB[8] were successfully achieved by the controlled selective complexation process of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) with hetero-guest pair containing azobenzene and bispyridinium moieties in aqueous solution, exhibiting the reversibly light-driven movements of CB[8] upon the photocontrollable isomerization of azophenyl axle components. Significantly, the obtained bistable supramolecular complexes and their corresponding [2]pseudorotaxanes could act as a promising concentrator and cleavage agent to regulate the binding behaviors with DNA molecules.