Journal Article

Stimuli‐Responsive Architectures Based on Anion‐Coordination‐Driven Assembly of Phosphate

Li, Wentao, Bai, Xuemin, Wang, Yue, Zuo, Wei, Zhang, Xuan

2025

Overview

Stimuli‐responsive systems play a crucial role in biological processes. Research on supramolecular cages formed via noncovalent interactions contributes to the development of receptors that mimic these natural systems. Recently, anion‐coordination‐driven assembly (ACDA) employing oligourea ligands and trivalent phosphate ions (PO43−) has emerged as a promising strategy for constructing responsive supramolecular architectures. These assemblies are stabilized through multiple hydrogen bonds and are capable of undergoing structural transformations in response to external stimuli, offering a conceptual framework for understanding flexibility and environmental adaptability in biological contexts. This mini‐review highlights the stimuli‐responsive properties of anionic self‐assemblies, with a focus on systems involving oligourea ligands and PO43− ion. Organized by stimulus type, it discusses multistimuli responsiveness, guest‐induced transformations, solvent sensitivity, and light‐responsive behaviors. Current challenges and identifying future opportunities in the study of ACDA‐based stimuli‐responsive systems are discussed. This mini‐review summarizes recent developments in stimuli‐responsive supramolecular assemblies based on anion‐coordination‐driven assembly using oligourea ligands and phosphate anions. The content is organized by stimulus type: multistimuli, guest/template, solvent, and light. This review highlights multistimuli adaptability and structural transformations. Remaining challenges and future directions are also outlined.

• Subject: anion coordination / oligourea ligands / phosphate anions / stimuli‐responsive assemblies / supramolecular self‐assembly