New technologies powered by protein-binding calixarenes

Abstract

This chapter focuses on calixarenes that bind to peptides and proteins, and recent work toward their use in different technological and biomedical applications. The first section of the chapter introduces the basic molecular recognition features relevant to the binding of biomolecular partners by calixarenes in water. The second part focuses mainly on fundamental studies involving the binding of lysine and its derivatives, lysine-containing peptides, and various protein surfaces. The third section provides multiple examples of new strategies involving the use and adaptation of calix[4]arene derivatives for diverse biomolecular technologies. The general features and advantages of calixarenes as flexible, functionalizable molecular affinity tools are discussed.