Multistimuli Responsive Supramolecular Polymeric Nanoparticles Formed by Calixpyridinium and Chondroitin 4‐Sulfate

Abstract

Abstract We have successfully constructed multistimuli responsive supramolecular polymeric nanoparticles based on the complexation of calixpyridinium with polyanionic chondroitin 4‐sulfate. The nanoparticles are disassembled upon increasing pH from 6 to 9, while a pH‐responsive morphological conversion from spherical nanoparticles to nanorods is observed upon decreasing pH from 6 to 2. Adding a competitive guest can also disrupt the assembly, representing the host–guest inclusion response. Interestingly, an unexpected hyaluronidase‐responsive morphological conversion from spherical nanoparticles to wire‐like suprastructures rather than disassembly is also observed, as a result of the hyaluronidase‐induced cleavage of chondroitin 4‐sulfate. The multistimuli responsive morphological conversion property with various dimensions, along with the facile preparation, will make this supramolecular polymeric assembly approach well‐suitable for a variety of important material applications.