Exploring Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges as Drug Delivery Systems: Evaluation of Spectroscopic Methods for Examining...

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNSs) are novel polymers composed of cross-linked cyclodextrin (CD) macrocyclic units, whose characteristics make them great candidates for drug delivery systems with adjustable properties for the drug release process. Examination of the molecular structure and dynamics of CDNSs is a necessary starting point in the first step toward their broad application. Spectroscopic methods are effective analytical tools for probing the structure-property relationships of polymer structures. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies provide insight into the behavior of hydrogen bond (H-bond) networks influencing the properties of CDNS polymeric networks. Scattering techniques such as inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and Brillouin light scattering (BLS) probe elastic properties, while small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) examines the structural inhomogeneities and water sorption abilities of CDNS materials. Complete evaluation is possible using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which can provide data on CDNS network dynamics. This article summarizes the results of a wide examination of CDNSs with the use of spectroscopic methods and reveals the links between the microscopic behavior and macroscopic properties of CDNSs, enabling the customization of their properties for various biomedical purposes.