Interpolyelectrolyte mixed nanoparticles from anionic and cationic thiacalix[4]arenes for selective recognition of model biopolymers

In this paper, we propose and develop an approach to synthesize an interpolyelectrolyte mixed nanoparticles of cationic and anionic thiacalix[4]arene derivatives, capable to selective recognition of model biopolymers (DNA from calf thymus, lysozyme, bovine serum albumin). Some ammonium and sulfonate derivatives of the p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene were chosen as supramolecular building blocks of these nanoparticles. In addition, we synthesized sulfobetaine-functionalized macrocycle where anionic and cationic groups are included in one molecular platform. Depending on conformation of macrocyclic platform (cone, 1,3-alternate) interpolyelectrolyte mixed nanoparticles with different size, stability and morphology were synthesized. We showed that the recognition of biopolymers is selective and depends on the ability to forming of nano-associates and the nature (charge) of the functional groups on the surface of the interpolyelectrolyte mixed nanoparticles. Negatively charged interpolyelectrolyte mixed nanoparticles form associates with lysozyme, while positively charged interpolyelectrolytes compact the high molecular DNA from calf thymus. The sulfobetaine derivatives of the thiacalix[4]arene stabilize monomeric form of BSA.