Cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes as a versatile platform for biological and medicinal applications

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), including rotaxanes and catenanes, possess unique structural and dynamic characteristics.
• Cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes (CD-rotaxanes) are a subclass of MIMs gaining attention for their potential in biological and medicinal fields.
• The integration of host-guest interactions and mechanical bonds in CD-rotaxanes imparts enhanced stability, responsiveness to stimuli, and adjustable functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse biomedical applications of cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes.
• To highlight the potential of CD-rotaxanes in areas such as targeted therapy, drug delivery, theranostics, enzyme inhibition, gene transport, and bioimaging.
• To discuss the challenges and future directions for the clinical translation of CD-rotaxanes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in CD-rotaxane research.
• Analysis of studies focusing on the application of CD-rotaxanes in various biomedical contexts.
• Synthesis of information regarding the properties, design, and therapeutic potential of CD-rotaxanes.

Main Results:

• CD-rotaxanes demonstrate significant potential in targeted drug delivery systems.
• Their unique properties enable applications as theranostic agents and in bioimaging.
• They show promise as enzyme inhibitors and in gene transport applications.

Conclusions:

• CD-rotaxanes represent a versatile platform for next-generation therapeutics.
• Further research and development are crucial to overcome challenges in their biomedical translation.
• CD-rotaxanes are poised to revolutionize various aspects of medicine due to their advanced supramolecular design.