Calix-Based Nanoparticles: A Review

Abstract

Calixarenes are considered as third generation supramolecules with hollow cavity-like architecture whereas nanoparticles are small entities with dimensions in the nanoscale. Many exciting achievements are seen when the calix system merges with nanoparticles which produces many fascinating facets in all fields of contemporary chemistry. The properties of nanoparticles which are tuned by calixarenes find applications in sensing, catalysis, molecular recognition, etc. Here, we have reviewed the chemistry of calix-based nanoparticles, and emphasis is laid on the modified, reducing, templated and stabilizing roles of calixarenes. This review covers the research being carried out in the domain of calix protected metal nanoparticles during last 18 years under the canopy of important 109 references. This article contains 58 figures which include 81 easy to understand structures. Calix-protected nanoparticles have enthralled researchers in the field of nanoscience with a tremendous growth in its applications, which heralds much promise to become in future a separate area of research.

Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by a Tertiary Amide Calix[4]Arene Derivative in Strongly Cation Solvating Solvents

“…[2][3][4] As a result, this class of compounds has been exploited for different tasks, such as catalysis, ion extraction, [5] purification, [6] electrochemical and fluorimetric sensing, [7,8] etc. In recent advancements the potentials of calixarene based compounds as biomimetics, drugdelivery systems, [9] ion chanells, [10,11] nanomaterial components [12,13] etc. have been explored.…”

The supramolecular approach to the phase transfer of carboxylic calixresorcinarene-capped silver nanoparticles

“…It's known, that AgNPs possess unique optical, electronic and biological properties [1,16], that allows to expand their application in emerging fields, such as anticancer agents, drug delivery or diagnosis [17]. Recently different families of supramolecular macrocycles (cyclodextrins, cucurbit[n]urils, pillar[n]arenes, and calixarenes) have been used as capped agents for metal nanoparticles [18,19]. Such hybrid nanoparticles combine the properties of metal nanoparticles (optical, antibacterial and other) and the receptor properties of macrocycles and demonstrate enhanced sensory [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] and biological [30][31][32] properties.…”

“…The synthetic accessibility and receptor properties of calix [4]resorcinarenes make them promising candidates as a capped agents for metal nanoparticles, in particular AgNPs. Earlier some examples of calix [4]resorcinarenes-capped metal NPs hydrosol were reported [19,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45].…”

Thiacalix[4]arene functionalized gold nano-assembly for recognition of isoleucine in aqueous solution and its antioxidant study

“…Taking the advantage of this versatile ion-recognition property of the thiacalixarenes, it was incorporated as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the nano system. Calix based nanoparticles have found versatile applications in all contemporary fields of science [20]. Tu et al have reported the preparation of size-controlled gold nanoparticles using amphiphilic thiacalixarene derivatized with a hydrophilic tail, namely, poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (SCaQ-MPEG550) [21].…”