Water-soluble molecular capsules: self-assembly and binding properties

Chemistry. 2004 Dec 17;11(1):298-307. doi: 10.1002/chem.200400849.

Abstract

The self-assembly and characterization of water-soluble calix[4]arene-based molecular capsules (12) is reported. The assemblies are the result of ionic interactions between negatively charged calix[4]arenes 1 a and 1 b, functionalized at the upper rim with amino acid moieties, and a positively charged tetraamidiniumcalix[4]arene 2. The formation of the molecular capsules is studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). A molecular docking protocol was used to identify potential guest molecules for the self-assembled capsule 1 a2. Experimental guest encapsulation studies indicate that capsule 1 a2 is an effective host for both charged (N-methylquinuclidinium cation) and neutral molecules (6-amino-2-methylquinoline) in water.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsules / chemistry*
  • Deuterium Oxide
  • Kinetics
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Solubility
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Water

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Water
  • Deuterium Oxide