Advances on cyclodextrin-based supramolecular imprinted polymers and their extraction applications

Over the past decade, cyclodextrins (CDs), as cyclic oligosaccharides, have emerged as pivotal supramolecular hosts in molecular imprinting field owing to their distinctive "hydrophobic cavity-hydrophilic shell" structure. The synergistic recognition effect of molecular imprinting sites and cyclodextrin cavity has led to the development of cyclodextrin-based supramolecular imprinted polymers (CD-SMIPs), which has attracted significant research attention. The hydrophobic cavity functions as a selective molecular "pocket", enabling precise encapsulation of target analytes through size and polarity matching while effectively excluding hydrophilic interferents in complex matrices. Driven by this unique spatial confinement mechanism and the hydroxyl‑rich hydrophilic exterior that stabilizes hydrogen bonding networks and enhances aqueous compatibility, CD-SMIPs have found extensive applications in chromatography. This review systematically elaborates CD-SMIPs synthetic strategies, such as electropolymerization and click chemistry, critically analyzes their current applications in environmental analysis, food analysis, and biological analysis, where they function as stationary phases, separation media, purification adsorbents, and enrichment materials. The review also proposes future development trajectories involving computational molecular design and chiral recognition engineering. This review aims to provide design reference for high-performance molecular recognition materials and aims to advance technologies in green chemistry and precision analysis.