As a host molecule that can form host-guest inclusion complexes, cyclodextrin (CD) has great application potential in the fields of materials science. It displays a unique structure including a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface with abundant hydroxyl groups. In the molecular structure of CD, both the inner and outer sides can be selectively functionalized to prepare a CD-based functional materials with complex structures.
Researchers have made full use of the unique structure and chemical properties of CD, especially the inclusion ability, to develop different CD-based novel sophisticated systems, which has greatly enriched the types of functional materials. With many new ideas and perspectives proposed, CD-based functional materials range from derivatives to polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, metal-organic frameworks, and other supramolecular assemblies. Excellent biocompatibility, selective recognition ability, and unique bioactive properties make these CD-based functional materials especially attractive for bioseparation, enzymatic catalysis, biochemical sensing, and other applications [1].
We highlight two novel CD-based materials: nanoparticles and hydrogels. Please click on the links below to view detailed applications.
Applications in the Fields of Functional Materials
Nanoparticles are nanoscale materials that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometres. It was found that CD spontaneously aggregates into nanoparticles in aqueous solutions, which opens up the possibility of applying CD to nanoparticles. Due to the submicroscopic size of nanoparticles and the unique inclusion properties of CD, CD-containing nanoparticles have received a lot of attention. A variety of nanoparticle materials have been prepared using CD, including core-shell nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and nanoparticle vesicles.
Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of polymer chains capable of absorbing large amounts of water. They are one of the most studied CD-based biomaterials. CDs can be incorporated into hydrogels to prepare CD-based hydrogels, which overcome the limitations of hydrogels and improve the swelling capacity of hydrogels. On the other hand, the hydrogel network can protect the CD inclusion complex, avoiding its rapid dissolution when in contact with the external environment [2]. Many CD-based hydrogels have been developed, including covalently cross-linked hydrogels, non-covalently cross-linked hydrogels, cross-linked double-network (DN) hydrogels and slide-ring hydrogels.
Alfa Chemistry is dedicated to the manufacture of CDs. We offer high-quality native CDs, CD derivatives, and CD inclusion complexes. We have strong supply capabilities and can provide products at the kilogram level. Please feel free to contact us and we will serve you wholeheartedly.
References
- Xu, W.; et al. Design of cyclodextrin-based functional systems for biomedical applications. Front. Chem. 2021, 9: 635507.
- Pinho, E. Chapter 4-Cyclodextrins-based hydrogel. Plant and Algal Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine. Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials. 2021, 113-141.
It should be noted that our our products and services are for research use only, not for clinical use.
