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Recent Advances in Calixarene-Based Fluorescent Sensors for Biological Applications.
Paula M Marcos1,2, Mário N Berberan-Santos3
1Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2024
Summary
This review highlights recent advances in calixarene-based fluorescent sensors for biological applications. These sophisticated probes enable sensitive detection of ions and biomolecules, with emerging uses in imaging and drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Macrocyclic compounds like calixarenes, when conjugated with fluorophores, form effective fluorescent probes.
- These calixarene-based probes offer unique structural advantages for sensing applications.
- Recent advancements have expanded their utility in biological contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress (2009-present) in calixarene-based fluorescent sensors.
- To focus on their diverse biological applications, including ion and biomolecule detection.
- To explore their use in intracellular imaging and drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature focusing on calixarene-fluorophore conjugates.
- Analysis of fluorescence mechanisms for analyte binding detection.
- Examination of applications in sensing biological ions, amino acids, enzymes, and drugs.
Main Results:
- Calixarene-based fluorescent sensors demonstrate high selectivity and sensitivity for various biological targets.
- Applications include the detection of biologically relevant ions and biomolecules.
- Emerging uses in intracellular imaging and drug delivery via nanoparticles and nanoaggregates are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Calixarene-based fluorescent probes represent a powerful tool for biological sensing and imaging.
- Continued development holds promise for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Future research should focus on refining selectivity, enhancing imaging capabilities, and optimizing drug delivery systems.
