Recent Advances in Calixarenes for the Detection of Metal Ions, Bioimaging Applications, and Anticancer Activities: A Comprehensive Review (2020–2024)

The emergence of calixarenes as versatile compounds in recent years marks a significant advancement in scientific research. In the area of analytical chemistry, calixarenes have garnered attention for their utility as selective chemosensors, enabling the sensitive and specific detection of metal ions through colorimetric and fluorimetric methods. Moreover, calixarenes have found applications in bioimaging, where they serve as effective probes for visualizing biological structures and processes with high resolution and sensitivity. Additionally, recent studies have explored the anticancer properties of calixarenes, unveiling their potential as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in calixarenes chemistry, emphasizing their significance in the colorimetric and fluorimetric detection of metal ions. Additionally, it highlights the mechanisms involved in chemosensor design, providing insights into the underlying principles driving their efficacy. Furthermore, the application of calixarenes in bioimaging, particularly for visualizing cellular structures and processes, is discussed, showing their potential in biomedical research and diagnostics. The anticancer activity of calixarenes and their derivatives is also explored, shedding light on their promising role as therapeutic agents. Through an extensive examination of recent literature, this review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted applications of calixarenes and offers perspectives for future research directions.