Abstract

Synthetic macrocycles such as calixarenes and cucurbiturils are useful receptors for protein surfaces, often targeting specific features such as individual residues. Recent work with sulfonato-calix[8]arene and cytochrome c1 or the lectin RSL2 has demonstrated the possibility of protein masking (encapsulation) by the macrocycle. The 1.5kDa, flexible and anionic calix[8]arene can form ∼500 Å2 interfaces with different patches of the same protein. In addition, X-ray crystallography reveals calix[8]arene-mediated protein frameworks.1-3 These highly porous structures have features that may suit the development of biomaterials. References 1. S Engilberge, ML Rennie, E Dumont, PB Crowley, ACS Nano 2019, 13, 10343. 2. KO Ramberg, S Engilberge, T Skorek, PB Crowley, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 1896. 3. PB Crowley, Acc. Chem. Res. 2022, 55, 2019.