Solid lipid nanoparticle-based calix[n]arenes and calix-resorcinarenes as building blocks: synthesis, formulation and characterization.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have attracted increasing attention during recent years. This paper presents an overview about the use of calix[n]arenes and calix-resorcinarenes in the formulation of SLNs. Because of their specific inclusion capability both in the intraparticle spaces and in the host cavities as well as their capacity for functionalization, these colloidal nanostructures represent excellent tools for the encapsulation of different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the area of drug targeting, cosmetic additives, contrast agents, etc. Various synthetic routes to the supramolecular structures will be given. These various routes lead to the formulation of the corresponding SLNs. Characterization, properties, toxicological considerations as well as numerous corresponding experimental studies and analytical methods will be also exposed and discussed.

Calix-arene silver nanoparticles interactions with surfactants are charge, size and critical micellar concentration dependent.

The interactions of silver nanoparticles capped by various calix[n]arenes bearing sulphonate groups at the para and/or phenolic faces with cationic, neutral and anionic surfactants have been studied. Changes in the plasmonic absorption show that only the calix[4]arene derivatives sulphonated at the para-position interact and then only with cationic surfactants. The interactions follow the CMC values of the surfactants either as simple molecules or mixed micelles.