CALIX[4]ARENE-BASED VERSATILE NANOCARRIER FOR DRUG DELIVERY

The development of new nano-structured systems for drug delivery is a nanomedicine topic. Nanocarrier formulations can enhance the uptake, the site-specific delivery and controlled release of a drug, increasing efficiency and reducing the unwanted side effects. Here, we report a nanoaggregate, obtained by the spontaneous self-assembly of a cationic amphiphilic calix[4]arene 1 in PBS medium at physiological pH value, suitable as carrier for different drugs, characterized by poor solubility, easy degradability, and low bioavailability, useful for treating ocular diseases. Calix[n]arene macrocycles are still an emerging platform for drug delivery. Our results represent a breakthrough in that direction.