Self-aggreagtion of amphiphilic calix[6]arenes-derivatized rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes

What is it about?

Investigation of the aggregation properties of calixarenes-derivatized rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes by the use of fluorescence, TEM, cryo-TEM and DLS. The effect of the axle on the self-aggregation of amphiphilic calixarenes is discussed.

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Why is it important?

We have shown that the amphiphilic calix[6]arenes investigated self-assemble in aqueous solution to generate three-dimensional micelle-like or vesicle-like structures with sizes ranging from 20 to 200 nm. In the case of one derivative, the presence of a dioctylviologen axle (DOV) – which threads through the cavity of alix[6]arene to form a pseudorotaxane – has the effect of increasing the permeability of the vesicles and triggering the release of vesicle content without disrupting it.