Self-assembly of amphiphilic anionic calix[4]arenes and encapsulation of poorly soluble naproxen and flurbiprofen

Supramolecular aggregates formed through the association of an amphiphilic tetra-O-butylsulfonate calix[4]arene 1 were investigated in aqueous solution by a combination of different techniques (NMR, DLS and AFM). The ability of the micellar aggregates of calixarene 1 to increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs was studied.