Supramolecular Nanostructures Based on Cyclodextrin and Poly(ethylene oxide): Syntheses, Structural Characterizations and Applications for Drug Delivery

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 8; no. 5; p. 198
• Main Authors: Zheng, Yue, Wyman, Ian W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI 17.05.2016; MDPI AG
• Subjects: cyclodextrins (CDs); drug delivery; poly(ethylene oxide); Review; structure; supramolecular polymers; syntheses; supramolecular polymers; cyclodextrins (CDs); drug delivery; syntheses; poly(ethylene oxide); structure
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym8050198

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been extensively studied as drug delivery carriers through host⁻guest interactions. CD-based poly(pseudo)rotaxanes, which are composed of one or more CD rings threading on the polymer chain with or without bulky groups (or stoppers), have attracted great interest in the development of supramolecular biomaterials. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a water-soluble, biocompatible polymer. Depending on the molecular weight, PEO can be used as a plasticizer or as a toughening agent. Moreover, the hydrogels of PEO are also extensively studied because of their outstanding characteristics in biological drug delivery systems. These biomaterials based on CD and PEO for controlled drug delivery have received increasing attention in recent years. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in supramolecular architectures, focusing on poly(pseudo)rotaxanes, vesicles and supramolecular hydrogels based on CDs and PEO for drug delivery. Particular focus will be devoted to the structures and properties of supramolecular copolymers based on these materials as well as their use for the design and synthesis of supramolecular hydrogels. Moreover, the various applications of drug delivery techniques such as drug absorption, controlled release and drug targeting based CD/PEO supramolecular complexes, are also discussed.