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MDPI, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), p. 11785, 2021

DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111785

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

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

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.