A supramolecular five-component cascade is presented that enables light-controlled transport of an in situ modified ligand between three host systems based on the different complexation preferences of cyclodextrin, cucurbituril, and double-stranded DNA. The results point out novel approaches for the control of drug–DNA interactions in DNA-targeting therapy.

Hemi-indigo derivatives are introduced as a novel class of HIV-1 RNA binders with photoswitchable fluorescent properties.

The importance of indigo dyes is constantly increasing with the evolution of novel textile materials and photochromic material technologies. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of photochromic indigo derivatives from the first report on the photochromic N,N'-diacetylindigo in 1954 until now. We begin with the list of historical milestones in the development of photochromic indigo derivatives. Further, we provide a brief description of the synthetic procedures utilised to obtain indigo and its derivatives, outline the structural peculiarities, photophysical and photochemical properties of indigo and proceed with the detailed discussion of the photochromic indigo derivatives. Finally, we highlight the photochromism of the structural isomers of indigo (isoindigo and indirubin) and provide an overview of prospective applications of indigo photoswitches.

The length of alkyl substituents governs the DNA binding mode of mono- and bis-chromophoric styryl dyes.

During the past ten years, the importance of cucurbiturils (CB[n]) as macrocyclic hosts in supramolecular assemblies with various types of natural and synthetic nucleic acids (NAs) has increased explosively. As a component of such systems, CB[n] macrocycles can play a wide spectrum of roles from drug and gene delivery vehicles to catalysts/inhibitors of biochemical reactions and even building blocks for NA-based materials. The aim of this highlight article is to describe the development of the CB[n] applications in nucleic acids research and to outline the current situation and perspectives of this fascinating synergistic combination of supramolecular chemistry of CB[n] and NAs.