Cucurbiturils in Drug Binding and Delivery

The cucurbit[ n ]urils, a family of cyclic host molecules comprised of n glycoluril units bridged by 2 n methylene bridges, and their acyclic analogues form very stable supramolecular host–guest complexes with neutral and cationic drug molecules in aqueous solution, which can be applied to drug binding, targeted delivery and controlled release, and drug reversal. The abilities of the cucurbiturils to modulate the solubility, acidity (p K a ), and chemical reactivity of included drug molecules will discussed in the context of these applications.