Preparation and application of cyclodextrin immobilized polysaccharides

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides which have recently been recognized as useful matrices. Due to its hydrophobic cavity, CD can interact with appropriately sized molecules to result in the formation of inclusion complexes. CD immobilized polysaccharide is a kind of novel functional macromolecule that possesses the cumulative effects of inclusion, size specificity, controlled release ability and transport properties of CD as well as the biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability of polysaccharide. Their nanoscale association could also lead to the formation of original particles and films which pave the way to new applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and separation processes. In this review, different methods of immobilizing CD onto polysaccharide are discussed. In addition, the properties of CD immobilized polysaccharide derivatives and their potential applications are reviewed.