Synthesis of bifunctional peptide derivatives based on a β-cyclodextrin core with drug delivery potential

A selective, versatile, robust methodology for bifunctionalization of β-cyclodextrin is achieved allowing the attachment of peptides in varying C- and/or N-terminal combinations on resin using Fmoc SPPS. Two linkers are attached to cyclodextrin enabling selective binding to the resin (or a peptide attached to the resin). Continuation of peptide growth and/or cleavage from the resin follows, thus various combinations of peptide–cyclodextrin species are achieved. A model peptide (Gly-Ala) is used in this study to illustrate the potential of this system for attaching one or more bioactive peptides for drug transport and release purposes.