A new class of synthetic receptor molecules known as metal-organic supercontainers (MOSCs), constructed from container precursor sulfonylcalix[4]arenes, divalent metal ions, and various carboxylate linkers, were recently developed in our group. These nanostructured molecules possess several attractive features, including their modular synthesis, tunable structure, and multiple nano-cavities that mimic enzyme binding pockets. These intriguing properties enable a range of biomedical applications including drug delivery and neurosignaling regulation. However, to implement these functional investigations, biocompatible characteristics of the MOSCs, such as high aqueous solubility and low cytotoxicity, will be required. In this presentation, we demonstrate how functional moieties such as sulfonate and polyethylene glycol groups can be incorporated into the MOSC structures to improve their biocompatibility using both pre-synthetic and post-synthetic modification methods.<br/>

Improving biocompatibility of nano-scale metal-organic supercontainers (MOSCs) for functional applications

255th National Meeting (2018)

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