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After 50 years from the discovery of crown-ethers, macrocyclic hosts continue to play a pivotal role in supramolecular chemistry. The presence of a cavity makes them ideal candidates to perform supramolecular functions such as catalysis, molecular and biomolecular recognition, sensing, self-assembly, and synthesis of interpenetrated architectures. In addition, thanks to their synthetic versatility, the macrocycles are considered useful platforms for the design of more elaborated structures for the self-assembly of supramolecular polymers and for applications in biomimetic chemistry. These aspects have stimulated the creativeness of the scientists that in this way started imagining novel macrocyclic structures with the aim to perform ever more advanced supramolecular functions and properties. Thus, in the last years, in addition to the most innovative aspects regarding the "old" macrocycles, much attention has also been focused on the synthesis of new macrocycles. These studies have led to the discovery of novel classes of molecules such as pillararenes, biphenarenes, calixnaphthalenes, large resorcinarenes and a wide class of heteracalixarenes, coronarenes, which have found application in several areas of supramolecular chemistry. The aim of this Research Topic is to outline the most innovative researches regarding the chemistry of macrocyclic compounds and their supramolecular properties.

biomimetic systems --- biomedical applications --- supramolecular catalysis --- cucurbiturils --- cycloparaphenylenes --- carbon-nanohoops --- pillararene --- chiral recognition

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Dear Colleagues,Supramolecular systems (calixarenes, cyclodextrins, polymers, peptides, etc.) have attracted special attention due to their excellent therapeutic properties for biomedical applications such as gene and drug delivery. Numerous biomaterials-based supramolecular systems have been developed in the last decade for enhancing of biocompatibility and pharmacological activity. In particular, supramolecular nanomaterials are considered a hot research topic, because nanomedicine has become an interesting tool for the treatment of genetic diseases or cancer. Nevertheless, novel systems and their properties are being continuously studied, contributing to the development of efficient delivery systems.This Special Issue provides and highlights current progress in the use of the supramolecular systems for boosting gene and drug delivery. Preparation, characterization, and use of these systems, as well as the latest developments in this research field, are especially welcome.Authors are encorauged to submit original research articles and reviews in this promising research field.

β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponge --- phenylethylamine --- 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazole (AT) --- gold nanoparticles --- carrier of therapeutic agents --- ferritin --- drug delivery --- tumor targeting --- half-life extension --- PAMAM dendrimers --- folic acid --- mRNA --- gene expression --- long acting injectables --- poly(l-lactic acid) --- poly(butylene adipate) --- block copolymers --- aripiprazole --- microparticles --- sustained release --- cationic calix[4]arenes --- liposomes --- nucleic acids --- transfection efficiency --- doxorubicin --- encapsulation --- adenine–uracil base pair --- complementary hydrogen bonded drug carrier system --- controlled drug delivery --- supramolecular nanogels --- selective cytotoxicity --- supramolecular self-assembled ribbon-like structures (SRLS) --- Congo red (CR) --- doxorubicin (Dox) --- bovine serum albumin (BSA) --- immunoglobulin light chain λ (Lλ) --- heat aggregated immunoglobulins (HAI) --- dynamic light scattering (DLS) --- elution volume (Ve) --- multi-walled carbon nanotube --- photothermal therapy --- indocyanine green --- synergistic strategy --- cancer treatment --- targeted drug delivery --- pillararene --- host:guest --- supramolecular --- hydrophobic --- ITC --- NMR --- magnetoliposomes --- microfluidics --- oral drug delivery --- magnetite nanoparticles --- n/a --- adenine-uracil base pair