Immobilization of a Water-Soluble Host Molecule by Polyion Complexation with a Polymer

Abstract

Formation of a polyion complex between the cation of a calix[6]arene ammonium chloride, which has a long alkyl chain, and anionic chondroitin sulfate results in a precipitate in aqueous solution. After dissolution of the complex in an organic solvent, evaporation of this solution gives rise to a water-insoluble transparent film. The film is strong enough for handling and shows binding of Methyl Orange, indicating that it retains a fundamental function of the parent host molecule. Immobilization of an anionic sulfonated calix[6]arene can also be achieved by formation of a polyion complex with the cation of a poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). The film prepared from this complex exhibits the ability to incorporate Phenol Blue; this suggests that the binding site remains in the polyion complex film.