Cyclodextrins are widely used in pharmacy, chemistry and other scientific disciplines, due to their
unique properties which are consequences of the special geometries of these compounds. The cyclic arrangements
of glucopyranose rings form structures where small and medium-sized molecules can be included. This inclusion
reaction is of high interest, because it may change the physico-chemical properties of the guest molecules and allows
the application of the involved compounds like drugs for a better delivery. Another important feature is the fact,
that a large number of cyclodextrin derivatives is existing, with different affinities to the guest molecules, different
thermodynamic properties and consequently a broad variety of applications. In the present review a short overview
will be given about the various structures, the applications, in particular as drug carriers.
Keywords
cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin derivatives, thermodynamics, solubility enhancement, drug carrier