Calixarenes: from biomimetic receptors to multivalent ligands for biomolecular recognition

Calixarenes are versatile platforms for the design and synthesis of molecular receptors and multivalent ligands that are able to mimic or affect specific biological functions. This review illustrates examples spanning the recognition of small peptides and carbohydrates to ion transport through membranes, biomimetic catalysis, DNA condensation and cell transfection, protein binding, sensing and inhibition, and gives perspectives for using calixarene macrocycles in bio-supramolecular chemistry.