. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligossacharides which have been known and studied for almost 130 years. This review aims to highlight the most important findings registered over this time, the physicochemical properties, preparation methods and uses of cyclodextrins, with special focus on their recently discovered applications. Due to their unique conformation, cyclodextrins are able to encapsulate a wide range of chemical entities, impacting on their solubility, bioavailability, stability, and shelf-life. Their complex formation properties together with the production from natural sources opens the door for cyclodextrins to be used in numerous and varied industries. However, the most important consumer of these versatile sugars is represented by the biomedical domain, where cyclodextrins find uses in drug formulations, delivery systems, medical textiles, implantable devices, tissue engineering, and many other connex applications. Moreover, intense research is still performed for this compounds, to develop and extend their therapeutic potential and serve as promising alternatives for treatment of severe diseases.
Cyclodextrins – development and applications of these versatile oligosaccharides
