Functionalized calix[n]arenes as membrane transporters for biological compounds. A minireview.
The present minireview summarizes some potential applications of calix[n]arenes family in binding and transport through liquid membranes of various biological compounds. In this respect, some specific aspects of their applications as carriers through liquid membrane are discussed in view of their potential for development of new drug formulation. The place of calix[n]arenes in the interesting and challenging field of transmembrane ion transport as synthetic ionophores is briefly outlined.
Mutihac
Lucia
L
University of Bucharest, Department of Analytical Chemistry, 4-12 Blvd., Regina Elisabeta, Bucharest, Romania. mutihac@astralnet.ro
D000818:Animals; D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D047250:Calixarenes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004337:Drug Carriers; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D007476:Ionophores / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods
D001688:Biological Products; D004337:Drug Carriers; D007473:Ion Channels; D007476:Ionophores; D047250:Calixarenes