Molecular recognition of polymers by cyclodextrin vesicles

Polyelectrolytes with small hydrophobic substituents bind to vesicles composed of cyclodextrin molecules through inclusion of the hydrophobic substituents on the polymers into the cyclodextrin cavities at the vesicle surface (see schematic representation). Molecular recognition results from a subtle balance of multiple hostguest interactions between the vesicles and the polymers and intramolecular interaction of the polymers.