Chitosan derivatives bearing cyclodextrin cavitiesas novel adsorbent matrices

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides which have recently been recognized as useful adsorbent matrices. Due to its hydrophobic cavity, CDs can interact with appropriately sized molecules to result in the formation of inclusion complexes. These complexes are of interest for scientific research as they exist in aqueous solution and can be used to study the hydrophobic interactions which are important in the biomedical and environmental fields. The grafting of CD onto chitosan can result in the formation of a molecular carrier that possess the cumulative effects of inclusion, size specificity and transport properties of CDs as well as the controlled release ability of the polymeric matrix. In this review, different methods of CD grafting onto chitosan are discussed. In addition, the inclusion ability and the controlled release properties of CD grafted chitosan derivatives and their mechanisms of host–guest complexation with organic molecules are reviewed.