Pillarenes are a class of macrocyclic compounds that consist of para-xylene units connected by methylene bridges. The object in question possesses a firm and well­defined framework characterized by pillars, alongside an interior hollow exhibiting hydrophobic properties. The distinctive architecture of these entities enables them to effectively enclose molecules that are guests inside their hydrophobic cavity. Pillarenes have demonstrated significant potential in the field of biomedical science by facilitating the construction of supramolecular systems for developing drugs and effective therapeutic applications. Prodrugs can be synthesized by designing and synthesizing derivatives of pillarenes. Pillarenes can undergo hybridization with several inorganic materials, including carbon-based compounds, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and metal nanoparticles. The selective encapsulation offered by pillarenes’ hydrophobic cavity, combined with the versatility of carbon nanomaterials, demonstrates the immense potential for tailored drug delivery systems across various therapeutic applications. This collab­orative approach holds promise in addressing challenges related to drug solubility, stability, and targeted drug delivery for improved therapeutic outcomes. By lever­aging the reversible and stimuli-responsive characteristics of pillarene-based host– guest systems, it becomes possible to achieve accurate medication delivery and controlled drug release [103].

targeting, controlled release kinetics, and protection against degradation. The selec­tive binding properties of Crown ethers can potentially enable the targeted delivery of specific drugs to desired locations within the body, minimizing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy [104].

Although several nanoparticle methods have been shown to effectively transfer payloads to different cells or tissues in laboratory settings or living organisms, several restrictions persist. The overall delivery efficiency or medication efficacy can be increased through improved accumulation or targeting methods, making these systems more potent clinical medicine. Modifying the nanoparticles’ size, polydis­persity, or surface charge can boost their drug-loading efficiency or capacity and lengthen their time in the body’s systemic circulation. Modifying the zeta potential of nanoparticles can impact both the accumulation and effectiveness of these parti­cles. One approach to achieve this objective involves applying an additional layer to obscure or mask the nanoparticle’s surface or employing a component with a greater charge [105].

Potential future uses of nanotechnology in cancer research include enhanced drug delivery mechanisms and improved imaging techniques for detecting and visualizing cancerous cells. Smart pharmaceuticals, also known as targeted medication therapies, would greatly help the fight against cancer. Effective agents would have fewer nega­tive side effects and require lower doses than current treatments [2]. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to greenlight more of these compounds for human testing shortly. The National Cancer Institute founded the Alliance for Nanotech­nology in Cancer to broaden the breadth of multidisciplinary team research in this field to further advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. Implementing this technology will facilitate accurate therapeutic interventions by enhanced accumula­tion inside the desired tissue, followed by the initiation of release in a specific and localized area. Consequently, this approach will diminish the necessary dosage levels

and minimize the potential for systemic toxicity resulting from non-selective tissue accumulation. The increasing acceptance and integration of monotherapies that have successfully completed clinical trials are expected to positively impact patient care, survival rates, and overall quality of life [105].