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Research on Cyclodextrin
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Research on Cyclodextrin

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2025) | Viewed by 7065

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Valentina Giglio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR-ICB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: organic chemistry; polymer science; mass spectrometry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cyclodextrins (CyDs), a cyclic oligosaccharide with a hydrophobic internal cavity, are characterized by exceptional inclusion capability and molecular recognition properties that allow them to encapsulate hydrophobic molecules through a host–guest interaction, playing a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, biotechnology, chemicals, and environmental applications. Over the past 30 years, researchers have developed cyclodextrin-based polymers and nanocomposites to improve their adsorptive capacity and selectivity. These materials combine the inclusion properties of cyclodextrins with the stability and robustness of polymeric frameworks. Moreover, the functionalization of cyclodextrins with various chemical groups can further improve their binding affinity and selectivity for specific molecules. Additionally, these materials can be regenerated and reused, making them cost-effective and sustainable.

This Special Issue aims to bring to the scientific community the latest advancements in the development of novel and smart CyD-based systems, ranging from pharmaceutical to environmental field applications. To this end, scientists involved in this multidisciplinary research field are invited to contribute by submitting reviews or original articles presenting their valuable results in this collection.

Dr. Valentina Giglio
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • drug delivery systems
  • polymeric cyclodextrin
  • pollution removal
  • sponge-like material
  • selective targeting systems
  • catalyst

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2526 KB  
Article
Mitigating Mucoadhesion of β–Cyclodextrins via PEGylation: Insights from 19F Diffusion NMR Analysis
by Kim Trang Huu Nguyen and Yong Ba
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311690 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
β–Cyclodextrin (β–CD)-based materials are widely used in drug delivery, yet their interactions with mucosal barriers remain insufficiently understood. Because the mucus layer coating epithelial surfaces can hinder drug transport, elucidating β–CD–mucin interactions is critical for optimizing cyclodextrin-based carriers. In this study, we examined [...] Read more.
β–Cyclodextrin (β–CD)-based materials are widely used in drug delivery, yet their interactions with mucosal barriers remain insufficiently understood. Because the mucus layer coating epithelial surfaces can hinder drug transport, elucidating β–CD–mucin interactions is critical for optimizing cyclodextrin-based carriers. In this study, we examined whether PEGylation can attenuate the mucoadhesive behavior of β–CD. Monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-modified β–CDs (MPEG–β–CDs) were evaluated using 19F self-diffusion NMR spectroscopy coupled with a kinetic diffusion model describing reversible binding to stationary substrates. Mucin hydrogels were prepared from bovine submaxillary mucin and served as a model mucus environment. Diffusion coefficients were extracted from the 19F NMR signals of 1-fluoroadamantane (1FA) molecules encapsulated within HP-β–CD or MPEG–β–CD cavities. The results demonstrate that PEGylation substantially reduces β–CD–mucin adhesion, with longer PEG chains (2000 Da) providing more effective steric shielding than shorter chains (500 Da). These findings indicate that PEGylation can protect β–CD-included drugs during transport across mucosal barriers by minimizing unwanted β–CD–mucin interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Cyclodextrin)
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19 pages, 6394 KB  
Article
Plasma Biomarker Profiling of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin (HPβCD) Treatment in an Aged Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke
by Danielle A. Becktel, Jennifer B. Frye, Elizabeth H. Le, Rick G. Schnellmann and Kristian P. Doyle
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 10814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210814 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Lipid debris generated after ischemic stroke overwhelms myeloid cells, leading to foam cell-like dysfunction and chronic neuroinflammation. 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a cholesterol-mobilizing agent, has been shown to improve recovery and reduce chronic inflammation after stroke by enhancing lipid processing and cholesterol efflux in infarcts. [...] Read more.
Lipid debris generated after ischemic stroke overwhelms myeloid cells, leading to foam cell-like dysfunction and chronic neuroinflammation. 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a cholesterol-mobilizing agent, has been shown to improve recovery and reduce chronic inflammation after stroke by enhancing lipid processing and cholesterol efflux in infarcts. To identify plasma biomarkers of HPβCD activity and gain mechanistic insight into lipid pathway modulation, aged (21-month-old) male mice underwent the distal middle cerebral artery occlusion + hypoxia (DH) model of stroke and received 2 g/kg HPβCD twice daily beginning 1 d after stroke. Plasma metabolomic and lipidomic profiling was performed 4 d after stroke using untargeted (Global Discovery) and targeted (Complex Lipid, Oxysterols, and Lipid Mediators of Inflammation) panels. Acute neuroprotection was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quantification of infarct, ventricle, and hippocampus volumes 2 d after stroke and by plasma neurofilament light (NfL) levels 4 d after stroke. HPβCD treatment did not provide acute neuroprotection; however, HPβCD did induce distinct plasma metabolomic and lipidomic signatures, including decreases in sphingolipids, cholesterol, long-chain fatty acids, 4β-hydroxycholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and 8-dehydrocholesterol and increases in 27-hydroxycholesterol and 7α-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoic acid (7-HOCA), consistent with enhanced cholesterol efflux and metabolism. Pro-inflammatory oxylipins were also suppressed by HPβCD treatment. These results support the role of HPβCD in promoting lipid debris clearance and suppressing inflammatory lipid pathways after stroke and, together with prior studies demonstrating improved long-term recovery, highlight HPβCD as a biomarker-supported therapeutic candidate for stroke recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Cyclodextrin)
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21 pages, 6576 KB  
Article
Impact of Methylated Cyclodextrin KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB on Inflammatory Responses in Human In Vitro Models
by Damien Truffin, Flora Marchand, Mathias Chatelais, Gérald Chêne, Laure Saias, Frauke Herbst, Justin Lipner and Alastair J. King
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179748 - 9 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2142
Abstract
KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB methylated cyclodextrin derivative displays less methylated group substitution than randomly methylated cyclodextrin. It has demonstrated an impact on atherosclerosis and neurological diseases, linked in part to cholesterol complexation and immune response, however, its impact on inflammatory cascade pathways is not [...] Read more.
KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB methylated cyclodextrin derivative displays less methylated group substitution than randomly methylated cyclodextrin. It has demonstrated an impact on atherosclerosis and neurological diseases, linked in part to cholesterol complexation and immune response, however, its impact on inflammatory cascade pathways is not clear. Thus, the impact of KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB on various pharmacological targets was assessed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells under physiological and inflammatory conditions, followed by screening against twelve human primary cell-based systems designed to model complex human tissue and disease biology of the vasculature, skin, lung, and inflammatory tissues using the BioMAP® Diversity PLUS® panel. Finally, its anti-inflammatory mechanism was investigated on peripheral blood mononuclear cells to evaluate anti-inflammatory or pro-resolving properties. The results showed that KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB can modulate the immune system in vitro and potentially manage vascular issues by stimulating the expression of molecules involved in the crosstalk between immune cells and other cell types. It showed anti-inflammatory effects that were driven by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and could have different impacts on different tissue types. Moreover, this cyclodextrin showed no clear impact on pro-resolving lipid mediators. Additionally, it appeared that the mechanism of action of KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB seems to not be shared by other well-known anti-inflammatory molecules. Finally, KLEPTOSE® CRYSMEB may have an anti-inflammatory impact, which could be due to its effect on receptors such as TLR or direct complexation with LPS or PGE2, and conversely, this methylated cyclodextrin could stimulate a pro-inflammatory response involving lipid mediators and on proteins involved in communication with immune cells, probably via interaction with membrane cholesterol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Cyclodextrin)
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Review

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14 pages, 3202 KB  
Review
Cyclodextrin Complexes for Clinical Translatability: Applications for Cladribine and Retrometabolically Designed Estredox
by Nicholas Bodor and Peter Buchwald
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 10976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210976 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
In this study, we review the use of cyclodextrin-based formulations to develop oral tablets of cladribine by enhancing its bioavailability and to improve the solubility and stability of retrometabolic chemical delivery systems (CDSs) in general and estredox, a brain-targeting estradiol-CDS, in particular. Cyclodextrins [...] Read more.
In this study, we review the use of cyclodextrin-based formulations to develop oral tablets of cladribine by enhancing its bioavailability and to improve the solubility and stability of retrometabolic chemical delivery systems (CDSs) in general and estredox, a brain-targeting estradiol-CDS, in particular. Cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides that can form host–guest inclusion complexes with a variety of molecules, are widely utilized in pharmaceuticals to increase drug solubility, stability, bioavailability, etc. The stability of the complex depends on how well the guest fits within the cavity of the CD host; a model connecting this to the size of the guest molecules is briefly discussed. Modified CDs, and particularly 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), provided dramatically increased water solubility and oxidative stability for estredox (estradiol-CDS, E2-CDS), making its clinical development possible and highlighting the potential of our brain-targeted CDS approach for CNS-targeted delivery with minimal peripheral exposure. A unique HPβCD-based formulation also provided an innovative solution for the development of orally administrable cladribine. The corresponding complex dual CD-complex formed by an amorphous admixture of inclusion- and non-inclusion cladribine–HPβCD complexes led to the development of tablets that provide adequate oral bioavailability for cladribine, as demonstrated in both preclinical and clinical studies. Cladribine–HPβCD tablets (Mavenclad) offer a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated oral therapy for multiple sclerosis, achieving worldwide approval and significant clinical success. Overall, the developments summarized here underscore the importance of tailored cyclodextrin-based approaches for overcoming barriers in drug formulation for compounds with challenging physicochemical properties, and demonstrate the versatility and clinical impact of CD inclusion complexes in modern pharmaceutical development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Cyclodextrin)
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26 pages, 808 KB  
Review
A Review of Formulation Strategies for Cyclodextrin-Enhanced Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)
by Tarek Alloush and Burcu Demiralp
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136509 - 6 Jul 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3047
Abstract
The advancement of efficient drug delivery systems continues to pose a significant problem in pharmaceutical sciences, especially for compounds with limited water solubility. Lipid-based systems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have emerged as viable options owing to their [...] Read more.
The advancement of efficient drug delivery systems continues to pose a significant problem in pharmaceutical sciences, especially for compounds with limited water solubility. Lipid-based systems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have emerged as viable options owing to their biocompatibility, capability to safeguard labile chemicals, and potential for prolonged release. Nonetheless, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release dynamics of these carriers can be enhanced by including cyclodextrins (CDs)—cyclic oligosaccharides recognized for their ability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds. This article offers an extensive analysis of CD-modified SLNs and NLCs as multifunctional drug delivery systems. The article analyses the fundamental principles of these systems, highlighting the pre-complexation of the drug with cyclodextrins before lipid incorporation, co-encapsulation techniques, and surface adsorption after formulation. Attention is concentrated on the physicochemical interactions between cyclodextrins and lipid matrices, which influence essential factors such as particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability. The review includes characterization techniques, such as particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug release studies, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)/Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses. The study highlights the application of these systems across many routes of administration, including oral, topical, and mucosal, illustrating their adaptability and potential for targeted delivery. The review outlines current formulation challenges, including stability issues, drug leakage, and scalability concerns, and proposes solutions through advanced approaches, such as stimuli-responsive release mechanisms and computer modeling for system optimization. The study emphasizes the importance of regulatory aspects and outlines future directions in the development of CD-lipid hybrid nanocarriers, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Cyclodextrin)
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