Biomedical Applications of "Click"-Modified Cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins (CDs), the doughnut-like amphiphilic molecules, have been widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Proper modifications of CDs are necessary to improve their properties and expand their applications. "Click chemistry," especially the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition or Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, has become very popular recently due to its mild reaction condition, high reaction efficiency, and selectivity. As a new chemical conjugation tool, it can play a very significant role in the modifications of CDs. In this chapter, we have reviewed some representative click-modification of CDs and corresponding applications, such as chiral stationary phases, functional biomaterial, biological sensors, and drug delivery.