Calixarene: A versatile material for drug design and applications

Muhammad A. Hussain*, Muhammad U. Ashraf, Gulzar Muhammad, Muhammad N. Tahir, Syed N.A. Bukhari

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

The therapy of various diseases by the drugs entrapped in calixarene derivatives is gaining attraction of researchers nowadays. Calixarenes are macrocyclic nano-baskets which belong to cavitands class of host-guest chemistry. They are the marvelous hosts with distinct hydrophobic three dimensional cavities to entrap and encapsulate biologically active guest drugs. Calixarene and its derivatives develop inclusion complexes with various types of drugs and vitamins for their sustained/targeted release. Calixarene and its derivatives are used as carriers for anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, anti-hypertensive, anthelmentic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipsychotic drugs. They are the important biocompatible receptors to improve solubility, chemical reactivity and decrease cytotoxicity of poorly soluble drugs in supramolecular chemistry. This review focuses on the calixarene and its derivatives as the state-of-the-art in host-guest interactions for important drugs. We have also critically evaluated calixarenes for the development of prodrugs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2377-2388
Number of pages12
JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design
Volume23
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Bentham Science Publishers.

Keywords

  • Calixarene
  • Drug design
  • Drug release
  • Medicinal uses
  • Prodrugs
  • Supramolecular

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery

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