Pillar[n]arenes at the Chemistry-Biology Interface

Macrocyclic chemistry has provided chemists with a wealth of molecular 'hosts'. Ever since resurgence in the field during the 1970s and 1980s these hosts' similarities to natural structures, such the active sites of enzymes, have been noted. Latterly there has been great interest in the recently reported pillar[n]arenes. As if to underline the importance of these compounds, exciting applications are starting to emerge, from electrochemical sensors to antimicrobial agents. Novel uses appear destined to have an impact on clinical conditions from Alzheimer's disease to cancer treatment. In order to demonstrate the impact of pillar[n]arenes across the chemistry-biology interface this review will cover the current state of the art from biomimicry and analyte-specific detection to emerging clinical applications. Examples include pillar[n]arene-based ion channels, enzyme-responsive compounds, imaging agents, biofilm inhibiting derivatives, drug complexing and drug releasing systems.