The native β-CD has many issues like low solubility, absence of sufficient functionalities and lower complexation ability with guest molecules. One of the most effective paths to increase the efficiency of cyclodextrins is the generation of polycyclodextrins. In this perspective article, the recent reports on the synthetic methods towards the modification of β-CD were summarized including various crosslinking methods:
- Polycondensation of CD moieties with various external multifunctional compounds, such as epoxides, isocyanides, carboxylic acids and aromatic halides;
- Poly-β-CDs containing CD moieties as pendant units;
- Crosslinking through free radical polymerization;
- Crosslinking through nucleophilic addition or substitution;
- Crosslinking based on ‘click’ chemistry
Besides, this article reviews the current improvements of two types of β-CD centered supramolecular hydrogels: one is supramolecular hydrogels prepared from CD-based poly(pseudo)rotaxanes and the other is supramolecular hydrogels developed through the host-guest interaction between small guest molecules and CDs. The Polycyclodextrins have established noteworthy applications in several areas ranging from adsorbents for organic pollutants removal to effective carriers of bioactive agents.
Roy A, Manna K, Dey S, Pal S. Chemical modification of β-cyclodextrin towards hydrogel formation. Carbohydr Polym. 2023 Apr 15;306:120576. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120576.