Encapsulating biologically active species and directing them to or away from specific receptors become problematic if the species being encapsulated are large; a better strategy would make use of a molecular 'suction cup' that latches onto the active species and steers them appropriately. The strong attachment of calixarenes and pyrogallolarenes to peptide sequences, even absent covalent bond formation, suggests that these two macrocycles may facilitate the controlled removal of biological materials.  In our continuing assessment of host-guest interactions in these systems, we have evaluated the preferential binding of model peptide guests either within the macrocycle or at its rim.  We also have examined and quantified how peptide binding alters the molecular dynamics of the macrocycle itself, including the extent to which breathing motions of the host are affected by guest binding as well as the bond disruptions caused by interactions occurring at the macrocycle's rim.

Calix[4]arene and pyrogallol[4]arene "suction cups" for tethering peptides

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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