Supramolecular assembly of calix[4]resorcinarenes and chitosan for the design of drug nanocontainers with selective effects on diseased cells

Abstract

In this paper, the spontaneous formation of nanoparticles through supramolecular interactions between chitosan and sulfonated calix[4]resorcinarenes was demonstrated. A set of physical–chemical methods were used to determine the ratio of components favorable for the formation of mixed aggregates, the size and the morphology of these aggregates formed in water solutions. The encapsulating and biological properties of the resulting chitosan–calix[4]resorcinarene compositions were studied. The stability of the obtained compositions with the encapsulated substrate was investigated over time. The cytotoxicity study showed their selective effect on the tumor cell line. The design pathway described here can be applied for the formation of various functional drug delivery systems comprising chitosan and macrocycles.