Pillararene-based fluorescent chemosensors: recent advances and perspectives

In 2008, a new class of pillar-shaped supramolecular macrocyclic hosts was reported, known as ``pillararenes''. Their particular electron-rich cavity and the ease of their functionalization offer possibilities for the design and synthesis of novel fluorescent chemosensors. Subsequently, pillararene-based fluorescent sensors and probes have been rapidly developed. This feature article covers the most recent contributions from the pillararene-based fluorescent sensor field in terms of anion/cation sensing, small molecule recognition, biomolecule detection, fluorescent supramolecular aggregates, and biomedical imaging. Meanwhile, we hope that this feature article will inspire more effort to be devoted to this emerging field.