Cyclodextrins as versatile building blocks for regenerative medicine

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Cyclodextrins (CDs) are naturally derived cyclic oligosaccharides with a hydrophobic cavity and hydrophilic exterior.
• CDs form inclusion complexes with various molecules, creating biocompatible supramolecular structures.
• CDs exhibit unique properties like cell differentiation induction and controlled release of therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of cyclodextrins (CDs) in regenerative medicine over the past decade.
• To analyze the role of CD-based scaffolds in tissue repair and regeneration.
• To organize findings based on scaffold architecture.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on cyclodextrin applications in regenerative medicine.
• Analysis of CD-based supramolecular structures, including poly(pseudo)rotaxanes and zipper-like assemblies.
• Categorization of CD scaffolds by architecture: hydrogels, 3D printed constructs, electrospun fibers, and composites.

Main Results:

• CD-based supramolecular assemblies exhibit excellent viscoelastic and shear-responsive properties, suitable for syringeable implants and bioinks.
• CDs can be functionalized to trigger cell differentiation and promote tissue regeneration.
• Applications span bone fracture healing, cartilage repair, skin regeneration, and neural tissue engineering.

Conclusions:

• Cyclodextrins are highly promising building blocks for advanced regenerative medicine scaffolds.
• The versatility of CDs allows for the design of tailored materials for diverse tissue engineering applications.
• Future research directions include exploring novel CD-based nanostructured materials and complex tissue regeneration.