Monosaccharide-Based Macrocyclic Receptors—History and Recent Applications

Abstract

Macrocycles are frequently applied as molecular receptors since the ring structure endows them with unique properties advantageous for strong and selective guest binding. Monosaccharides are attractive as scaffolds for receptors as they are enantiomerically pure, abundant, biocompatible, and versatile. The benefits of incorporating monosaccharide units into macrocycles for molecular recognition purposes have been recognized by researchers several decades ago. Since then, monosaccharide-based macrocycles have been utilised as receptors for a variety of guests. Within this perspective I will provide an overview of the most common applications of macrocycles containing monosaccharide units within the realms of molecular recognition. I will highlight the most recent findings, such as fluorescent ion sensors and selective binding of amino acids in aqueous media, including our own contributions. At the end I will offer a short outlook and suggest future directions for the field.