Function-directed supramolecular assembly based on water soluble calixarenes

Abstract

Owing to the well-defined cavity structure, framework rigidity, and complexation affinity, supramolecular assemblies based on water-soluble calixarenes have now become a hotspot in the fields of stimuli-response material, drug delivery system, multifunctional nano-platform and supramolecular catalysis. This chapter deals with the representative contributions in the construction methods of function-directed supramolecular assemblies based on water soluble calixarenes, including calixarene-induced aggregation, guest-induced aggregation of calixarene, and host-guest co-assembly of amphiphilic calixarene. It also gives a description of several typical examples about the application of water-soluble calixarenes in biological and material fields.