cyclodextrinbased

Cyclodextrin-based refers to materials and systems that incorporate cyclodextrin molecules, cyclic oligosaccharides produced from starch, typically alpha, beta, or gamma cyclodextrin. The distinctive feature of cyclodextrins is their truncated cone-shaped hydrophobic cavity and hydrophilic outer surface, enabling the formation of inclusion complexes with a wide range of hydrophobic guest molecules. This property underpins many cyclodextrin-based applications in drug delivery, food science, cosmetics, and environmental remediation.

Cyclodextrin-based materials include native cyclodextrins, chemically modified derivatives (such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, methylated cyclodextrins, and sulfobutyl ethers), and polymerized or crosslinked networks. Cyclodextrin derivatives improve solubility, binding affinity, and functionalization. Cyclodextrin-based polymers, crosslinked networks, and cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks have been developed to enhance stability and control release. Synthesis often involves functionalization of the hydroxyl rims or crosslinking CD units with various crosslinkers.

Applications span several fields. In pharmaceuticals, cyclodextrin complexes enhance solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and enable controlled-release formulations. In food and beverages, cyclodextrins stabilize flavors, mask off-flavors, and reduce bitterness. In cosmetics, they improve formulation stability and enable fragrance encapsulation. In environmental science, cyclodextrin-based materials capture organic pollutants, dyes, and pesticides. In catalysis and sensing, cyclodextrins act as hosts for substrates, enabling selective reactions and molecular recognition.

Advantages include biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable binding properties, while limitations involve finite cavity sizes limiting guest scope and potential cost or regulatory considerations for certain derivatives. Overall, cyclodextrin-based systems are versatile platforms for hosting and releasing small molecules across multiple disciplines.