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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Water-Dispersible Supramolecular Nanoparticles Formed by Dicarboxyl-bis-pillar[5]arene/CTAB Host-Guest Interaction as
Marco Milone1, Martina Mazzaferro1,2, Antonella Calderaro1
1Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Supramolecular nanoparticles offer an efficient strategy to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble therapeutic molecules. In this study, water-dispersible SNPs were successfully prepared from dicarboxyl-bis-pillar[5]arene (H) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) using a microemulsion method. Dynamic light scattering revealed that the resulting CTAB/H nanoparticles possessed a size distribution centered around 40 nm, a positive surface charge (+15 mV), and exhibited high colloidal stability over three months. 1H NMR, 2D TOCSY, 2D NOESY, diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy, and UV-Vis investigations confirmed the inclusion of the CTAB alkyl chain within the pillar[5]arene cavity, supporting the formation of stable supramolecular assemblies capable of efficiently encapsulating the poorly water-soluble flavonol quercetin (Q). The CTAB/H system displayed low cytotoxicity (up to 50 µg/mL) and pronounced antioxidant activity, as evidenced by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Quercetin-loaded nanoparticles (CTAB/H/Q) enhanced cellular uptake and exhibited a marked cytoprotective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts.
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