Pillar[n]arenes at the Chemistry-Biology Interface

Macrocyclic chemistry has provided chemists with a wealth of molecular ‘hosts’. Ever since resurgence in the field during the 1970s and 1980s these hosts’ similarities to natural structures, such the active sites of enzymes, have been noted. Latterly there has been great interest in the recently reported pillar[n]arenes. As if to underline the importance of these compounds, exciting applications are starting to emerge, from electrochemical sensors to antimicrobial agents. Novel uses appear destined to have an impact on clinical conditions from Alzheimer's disease to cancer treatment. In order to demonstrate the impact of pillar[n]arenes across the chemistry-biology interface this review will cover the current state of the art from biomimicry and analyte-specific detection to emerging clinical applications. Examples include pillar[n]arene-based ion channels, enzyme-responsive compounds, imaging agents, biofilm inhibiting derivatives, drug complexing and drug releasing systems.     

Advanced Functional Materials Constructed from Pillar[n]arenes

Pillar[n]arenes are new generation of supramolecular macrocyclic host, which exhibit excellent host−guest recognition properties. In the last decade, functional materials constructed from pillar[n]arenes have been attracted more and more attention and displayed outstanding characteristics, such as stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing and adaptability. In this mini-review, we provide a survey of the pillar[n]arene-based literatures covering light-harvesting systems, functional hydrogels, and solid materials. It is anticipated that more and more pillar[n]arenes-based advanced materials with multi-functional properties will appear in the near future.     

Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Based Calix[n]arenes and Calix-Resorcinarenes as Building Blocks: Synthesis,Formulation and Characterization

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have attracted increasing attention during recent years. This paper presents an overview about the use of calix[n]arenes and calix-resorcinarenes in the formulation of SLNs. Because of their specific inclusion capability both in the intraparticle spaces and in the host cavities as well as their capacity for functionalization, these colloidal nanostructures represent excellent tools for the encapsulation of different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the area of drug targeting, cosmetic additives, contrast agents, etc. Various synthetic routes to the supramolecular structures will be given. These various routes lead to the formulation of the corresponding SLNs. Characterization, properties, toxicological considerations as well as numerous corresponding experimental studies and analytical methods will be also exposed and discussed.     

Self-Assembling Systems Based on Pillar[5]arenes and Surfactants for Encapsulation of Diagnostic Dye DAPI

In this paper, we report the development of the novel self-assembling systems based on oppositely charged Pillar[5]arenes and surfactants for encapsulation of diagnostic dye DAPI. For this purpose, the aggregation behavior of synthesized macrocycles and surfactants in the presence of Pillar[5]arenes functionalized by carboxy and ammonium terminal groups was studied. It has been demonstrated that by varying the molar ratio in Pillar[5]arene-surfactant systems, it is possible to obtain various types of supramolecular systems: host–guest complexes at equimolar ratio of Pillar[5]arene-surfactant and interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) are self-assembled materials formed in aqueous medium by two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (macrocycle and surfactant micelles). It has been suggested that interaction of Pillar[5]arenes with surfactants is predominantly driven by cooperative electrostatic interactions. Synthesized stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric IPECs specifically interact with DAPI. UV-vis, luminescent spectroscopy and molecular docking data show the structural feature of dye-loaded IPEC and key role of the electrostatic, π–π-stacking, cation–π interactions in their formation. Such a strategy for the design of supramolecular Pillar[5]arene-surfactant systems will lead to a synergistic interaction of the two components and will allow specific interaction with the third component (drug or fluorescent tag), which will certainly be in demand in pharmaceuticals and biomedical diagnostics.     

Exploring the Assembly of Resorc[4]arenes for the Construction of Supramolecular Nano-Aggregates

Many biologically active compounds feature low solubility in aqueous media and, thus, poor bioavailability. The formation of the host-guest complex by using calixarene-based macrocycles (i.e., resorcinol-derived cyclic oligomers) with a good solubility profile can improve solubilization of hydrophobic drugs. Herein, we explore the ability of resorc[4]arenes to self-assemble in polar solutions, to form supramolecular aggregates, and to promote water-solubility of an isoflavone endowed with anti-cancer activity, namely Glabrescione B (GlaB). Accordingly, we synthesized several architectures featuring a different pattern of substitution on the upper rim including functional groups able to undergo acid dissociation (i.e., carboxyl and hydroxyl groups). The aggregation phenomenon of the amphiphilic resorc[4]arenes has been investigated in a THF/water solution by UV–visible spectroscopy, at different pH values. Based on their ionization properties, we demonstrated that the supramolecular assembly of resorc[4]arene-based systems can be modulated at given pH values, and thus promoting the solubility of GlaB.     

两种杯[6]芳烃的红外光谱和拉曼光谱研究

研究了两种对－叔丁基杯〔６〕芳烃的红外和拉曼光谱。对－叔丁基杯〔６〕芳烃Ｉ的环状的分子内缔合氢键和部分甲基化的（１,３,５－三甲基）－对－叔丁基杯（６）芳烃Ⅱ的三中心氢键在红外光谱中有明显反映杯（６）芳烃的ｐｉｎｃｈｅｄ ｃｏｎｅ（紧锥型）构象也得到了证明,而两种杯（６）芳烃氢键构象和强度的不同导致了二者的拉曼谱图也存在较大的差异。     

Pillar[5]arene-stabilized Plasmonic Nanoparticles as Selective SERS Sensors

We present here a simple procedure for the surface modification of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) with a cationic water-soluble ammonium pillar[5]arene (AP[5]A) in order to create selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy based sensors. The strategy is based on a ligand exchange reaction between the AP[5]A and the stabilizing agent of the as-prepared plasmonic NPs. The approach could be applied to plasmonic nanoparticles either negatively charged, stabilized by citrate ions (Au spheres) or positively charged, stabilized by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (Au and Au@Ag nanorods). The SERS performance of all systems was studied as a function of NP size and excitation laser line by using an analyte with no affinity towards the metal surface such as pyrene. The analytical enhancement factor (AEF) for the different systems was estimated between 0.55×10⁴ and 1.49×10⁵. Finally the synergistic effect of combining supramolecular chemistry and plasmonic NPs is demonstrated through SERS-based detection, in aqueous media, of molecules with no affinity towards a bare plasmonic substrate such as the contaminant pyrene or the biomolecule pyocyanin with nanomolar limit of detection.     

Thermal Behaviors of Bisazocalix[4]arene Derivatives

In this article, calix[4]arene (4) was prepared by debutylation and hydrolyses reacting from 25,27-dibenzoyl-26,28-dihydroxy-5,11,17,23-tetra(tert-butyl)calix[4]arene (2). Azocalix[4]arenes (6a-c) were coupled by linking 4-methoxy, 4-ethyl, and 4-nitroaniline to calix[4]arene (4) through a diazo-coupling reaction. Thermal behavior characteristics and decomposition routes of 25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxy-11,23-di(tert-butyl)-5,17-(p-substitue phenyl)azocalix[4]arene (6a-c) were investigated in air atmosphere by means of thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) analyses. It was found that the decomposition of all compounds complete with two exothermic stages which corresponded to removal of substitute groups (methoxy-, ethyl-, nitro-) and second stage rest of structure decomposition.     

Surfactant Effect on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Based on Pillar[5]arenes

Novel monosubstituted pillar[5]arenes containing both amide and carboxyl functional groups were synthesized. Solid lipid nanoparticles based on the synthesized macrocycles were obtained. Formation of spherical particles with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 250 nm was shown for pillar[5]arenes containing N-(amidoalkyl)amide fragments regardless of their concentration. It was established that pillar[5]arene containing N-alkylamide fragments can form spherical particles with two different sizes (88 and 223 nm) depending on its concentration. Mixed solid lipid nanoparticles based on monosubstituted pillar[5]arenes and surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride) were obtained for the first time. The surfactant made it possible to level the effect of the macrocycle concentration. It was found that various types of aggregates are formed depending on the macrocycle/surfactant ratio. Changing the macrocycle/surfactant ratio allows to control the charge of the particles surface. This controlled property will lead to the creation of molecular-scale porous materials that selectively interact with various types of substrates, including biopolymers.     

含氮杯[4]芳烃的合成

以对叔丁基苯酚为起始原料,经过3步反应,在母体杯芳烃的下沿引入3种不同的含氮基团,得到5种含氮杯[4]芳烃,并通过1HNMR和熔点测定确定了产物结构.实验中发现,当母体杯芳烃下沿引入的溴代烷基变长时,进一步引入含氮基团,只能得到1,3位环化的含氮杯[4]芳烃.     

Supramolecular Amphiphiles Based on Pillar[5]arene and Meroterpenoids: Synthesis,Self-Association and Interaction with Floxuridine

In recent years, meroterpenoids have found wide biomedical application due to their synthetic availability, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. However, these compounds are not used in targeted drug delivery systems due to their high affinity for cell membranes, both healthy and in cancer cells. Using the approach of creating supramolecular amphiphiles, we have developed self-assembling systems based on water-soluble pillar[5]arene and synthetic meroterpenoids containing geraniol, myrtenol, farnesol, and phytol fragments. The resulting systems can be used as universal drug delivery systems. It was shown by turbidimetry that the obtained pillar[5]arene/synthetic meroterpenoid systems do not interact with the model cell membrane at pH = 7.4, but the associates are destroyed at pH = 4.1. In this case, the synthetic meroterpenoid is incorporated into the lipid bilayer of the model membrane. The characteristics of supramolecular self-assembly, association constants and stoichiometry of the most stable pillar[5]arene/synthetic meroterpenoid complexes were established by UV-vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). It was shown that supramolecular amphiphiles based on pillar[5]arene/synthetic meroterpenoid systems form monodisperse associates in a wide range of concentrations. The inclusion of the antitumor drug 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (floxuridine) into the structure of the supramolecular associate was demonstrated by DLS, 19F, 2D DOSY NMR spectroscopy.     

Molecular Recognition of Water-soluble Pillar[n]arenes Towards Biomolecules and Drugs

The exploration of molecular recognition of synthetic macrocycles in aqueous media is significantly important since most biological functions, activities and processes take place in water. Pillar[n]arenes (n=5–10) have been recognized as a new generation of macrocyclic arenes; much attention has been devoted to their host-guest chemistry. This review summarizes the host-guest properties of water-soluble pillararenes towards biologically significant molecules and drugs. These water-soluble pillararenes are classified into three major classes according to the electric charges of hydrophilic groups at their portals: anionic pillar[n]arenes ( AP[n]s ), cationic pillar[n]arenes ( CP[n]s ), and neutral pillar[n]arenes ( NP[n]s ). The host–guest affinities, binding modes, binding selectivity, stimuli-responsiveness, as well as biomedical applications are comprehensively discussed.     

Recent Progress in Gas Phase Cucurbit[n]uril Chemistry

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) are of great significance due to their unique molecular recognition properties and their potential applications in areas such as drug delivery or analytical assays. Gas phase studies, without interference from solvents or counterions, provide fundamental insights into the mechanism of CB[n] complex formation and binding. In this paper, we review the progress in gas phase CB[n] chemistry, mainly based on mass spectrometry, since 2011, including important discoveries in structural studies, mechanistic studies, and gas phase studies related to analytical or clinical applications of CB[n]s. We expect the use of gas phase methods to continue to expand and diversify.     

Potential Applications of Cucurbit[n]urils Inclusion Complexes in Photodynamic Therapy

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) have emerged as potential candidates for drug delivery in several areas due to their strong binding interactions and low toxicity. More recently, their benefits for a type of cancer treatment termed Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) have been recognized. The outcomes of this therapy rely on better drug delivery strategies and improving overall photoactivity of the drugs, which is where CB[n]s could have a strong impact. The effects of these molecular containers on photoactivity are discussed and new interesting work is highlighted.     

Synthesis and characterization of calix[4]arene‐containing polyimides

Three types of amino‐functionalized calixarenes, i.e. the diaminocalix[4]arenes 5,17‐diaminomethyl‐25,26,27,28‐tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene, 25,27‐diaminoethoxy‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene and 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐diaminoethoxy‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene, were synthesized and incorporated as comonomers into the backbones of aromatic polyimides. As a first step, polyimide precursors (poly(amic acid)s) were prepared by condensation reaction of diamine with dianhydride at the stoichiometric ratio. The diamine component was composed of synthesized diaminocalix[4]arene and commercial 4,4′‐oxydianiline combined in various molar ratios. The dianhydride used was 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride. The poly(amic acid)s were characterized using intrinsic viscosity measurements and their chemical composition was determined using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The precursors were then transformed into the polyimides using a thermal treatment. Thermal and dynamic mechanical behaviour, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and solubility of the resulting polyimide films in selected solvents were evaluated. The structure–property relationship of the novel types of synthesized polyimides is discussed in terms of the calixarene monomer used and the fraction of it incorporated into the polymer backbone. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Feasibility Studies on Palladium Extraction from Leach Liquors of Automotive Catalysts Using p-Diethylphosphonomethylthiacalix[6]arene

Feasibility studies for the recovery of Pd(II) from leach liquors of automotive catalysts using p-diethylphosphonomethylthiacalix[6]arene (1) and p-tert-butylthiacalix[6]arene (2) were conducted. Compound 1 was found to be a more efficient extractant than 2 for Pd(II) ions, indicating selective extraction of Pd(II) ions [E% = 98.4%] from the leach liquors. The majority of other metal ions present in the leached solution were not extracted except Zr(IV) ions [E% = 22%]. Stripping of the Pd(II) ions from the extractants was performed using acidic thiourea, thereby enabling the recycling of the extractants.     

Cucurbit[n]urils-related Multitopic Supramolecular Components: Design,Properties, and Perspectives

Cucurbit[n]urils (CBns) are an intriguing family of macrocyclic hosts whose chemistry has undergone rapid developments in recent decades. The initial interest in the synthesis, modifications and binding properties has shifted to areas focused on applications in drug storage, delivery, and release, external-stimuli responsive devices, and molecular nano-reactors. Since CBns are fruitfully complemented by cyclodextrins (CDs) in such systems, guest molecules that contain several binding sites are needed. These multitopic guests provide not only a scaffold for holding CBns and CDs together in appropriate arrangements but also allow for manipulation with supramolecular aggregates, e. g., reorganization or release of macrocycles. In this review, we summarize recent studies related to the design of multitopic guests. Binding motifs properties, the role of attractive or repulsive lateral interactions, the competition-compensation effect, and rotaxane versus pseudorotaxane manner are discussed.     

Cucurbit[n]uril Host-Guest Complexes of Acids,Photoacids, and Super Photoacids

The supramolecular chemistry of host-guest complexes of cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) with acidic guests in the ground (HG⁺) and excited states (HG⁺*) are reviewed. The effects of CB[n] complexation on the guests’ pK_a and/or pK_a* values are related to relative binding constants and host-guest structures of the acid form of the guest and its conjugate base. Included are carbon acids, guests of biological and medicinal interest, dyes and related polyaromatic guests, and other organic and organometallic guests. The applications of the pK_a shifts to the solubility, stability, and bioavailabilty of drug molecules, the stability and enhanced spectral properties of dyes, and in pH-induced self-sorting, micelle formation, host-guest shuttling, and controlled guest release, are discussed.     

Dynamic supramolecular polymers built from cucurbit[n]urils and viologens

This review article focuses on supramolecular assemblies involving cucurbit[n]uril‐based containers and viologen guests as key building elements. Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n], n = 5–8,10) are fascinating hosts forming a wide range of inclusion complexes (caviplexes) with 4,4′‐bipyridinium salts, known as viologens, either as discrete 1:1 inclusion compounds with CB[7] or as ternary inclusion compounds involving two hosts or two guests (2:1 with CB[7] and 1:2 or 1:1:1 with CB[8]). This property is currently being actively exploited to design and prepare self‐assembled dynamic stimuli‐responsive supramolecular polymers including gels, vesicles, films and organized arrays of polymeric microspheres or nanoparticles. This review highlights the main benefits of such polymers and gives an overview of the achievements and progress made in this field over the past decades. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

mPW1PW91 study for conformational isomers of methylene bridge-monosubstituted tetramethoxycalix[4]arenes

Structures of ten conformational isomers of methylene bridge-monosubstituted tetramethoxycalix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetramethoxy-2-ethylcalix[4]arene (1), and methyl 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetramethoxycalix[4]arene-2-carboxylate (2) were optimized by quantum mechanical mPW1PW91/6-31G(d,p) (hybrid Hartree–Fock density functional) calculations. The total electronic and Gibbs free energies of the various conformations (cone, partial cone, 1,2-alternate, and 1,3-alternate) of 1 and 2 were analyzed. The cone (equatorial) and partial cone (equatorial) conformers were disclosed to be the most stable among all the isomers of 1 and 2. The calculated structures agreed well with the experimental results. The IR spectra were calculated at the mPW1PW91/6-31G(d,p) level for the most stable conformer of each methylene bridge-monosubstituted tetramethoxycalix[4]arene.