Supramolecular Polymers, Based on the Host–Guest Chemistry of Calixarenes

Calixarene scaffolds possess an unique feature compared to all related macrocyclic hosts: the dimerization of the half-capsular molecules, accompanied with the inclusion of a small-molecule guest, gives supramolecular caps; thus, the corresponding supramolecular polymers are often referred to as “polycaps.” Besides these, the more conventional linear supramolecular polymers have also been assembled via the formation of inclusion complexes. More recently, supramolecular amphiphiles, based on the calixarene's host–guest chemistry, have attracted considerable attention especially in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and controlled release.