The Biological and Analytical Applications of Calixarenes Function: Facts and Growth Trends

Abstract

For over two decades, research on the biological and analytical applications of calixarenes and their derivatives has been shown remarkable properties towards organic and bioorganic molecules. Applications in the field of analytical chemistry and biological activity, as well as the anticancer properties of various calixarenes, have been studied and reported by several research groups. Due to their superior geometrical shape, calix[n]arenes structures (with n = 4; 6 or 8) have a special function, moreover, when combined with functional groups, the calixarenes can dissolve well and the low toxicity of the cell and the ability to form stable complexes with metal ion, especially the ability to transport drugs, it is allowed to be applied in the analysis and development of biosensors in fields: Biotechnology and drug discovery calixarene derivatives. The applications of calixarenes and their derivatives are summarized in this review, and future development prospects will be discussed.