Artur J. M. Valente

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligomers of glucose derived from starch. The combined external hydrophilicity with the internal hydrophobic surface constitute a unique “microenvironment”, which confers cyclodextrins the peculiar ability to form inclusion host‒guest complexes with many hydrophobic substances. These complexes may impart beneficial modifications of the properties of guest molecules such as solubility enhancement and stabilization of labile guests.

Cyclodextrin-based polymers emerged with the need to develop materials that combine the advantages of cyclodextrins, namely the possibility of establishing inclusion complexes with numerous molecules, with the facility of removal and recycling after use, since the inclusion process can be reversible. The obtainment of crosslinked and water-insoluble materials, in addition to the possibility to introduce new functionalities in CDs, specifically through the use of different crosslinkers, has allowed the development of a smorgasbord of new materials with applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to environmental remediation. Hence, by a careful choice of the type of crosslinker, it is possible to prepare materials with different degrees of hydrophilicity, depending on the intended application.

This communication provides an overview of the recent research carried out in our laboratory for developing polycyclodextrins with applications is areas such as water and soil remediation, sensing and catalysis.