Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD-NS) are a novel class of polymers cross-linked with a three-dimensional network and can be obtained from cyclodextrins (CD) and pyromellitic dianhydride. Their properties, such as their ability to form an inclusion complex with drugs, can be used in biomedical science, as nanosponges influence stability, toxicity, selectivity, and controlled release. Most pharmaceutical research use CD-NS for the delivery of drugs in cancer treatment. Application of molecular targeting techniques result in increased selectivity of CD-NS; for example, the addition of disulfide bridges to the polymer structure makes the nanosponge sensitive to the presence of glutathione, as it can reduce such disulfide bonds to thiol moieties. Other delivery applications include dermal transport of pain killers or photosensitizers and delivery of oxygen to heart cells. This gives rise to the opportunity to transition to medical scaffolds, but more, in modern times, to create an ultrasensitive biosensor, which employs the techniques of surface-modified nanoparticles and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP). The following review focuses on the biomedical research of cyclodextrin polymers cross-linked via dianhydrides of carboxylic acids.

New water soluble amino β-cyclodextrin-based polymer was synthesized by reaction between amino cyclodextrin derivatives and pyromellitic anhydride. This experiment presents amino derivatives, which were synthesized by attaching amino groups to β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) used mono-6-azido-6-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-N₃) and triphenylphosphine (Ph₃P) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). An amino blocking reaction was conducted. The obtained polymer was purified by ultrafiltration. In addition, an attempt was made to create nanospheres by encapsulating the polymer with chitosan (CT) in an acidic condition. For the first time, nanospheres were obtained in the reaction between an amino β-cyclodextrin polymer and chitosan. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ¹H NMR and ESI-MS methods for confirmation of reaction product and for structural characterization were employed. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of polymers were also carried out.

Water soluble highly anionic β-cyclodextrin-based polymers were synthesized by reaction between cyclodextrin oxyanion and pyromellitic anhydride. The synthesis method utilizes activation hydroxyl groups in anhydrous glucopyranosyl units (AGU) in the DMF solution with the use of NaH. In these conditions, like in the case of the cyclodextrin reactions in the highly alkaline media, there is a nucleophilic substitution of difunctional compounds, which develops a polymer network with various cyclodextrin substitution. Different molar ratios of the reagents were investigated in terms of molecular size, chemical structure and water solubility of the polymers. The separation of the polymer due to particle size by ultrafiltration process and HPSEC-MALLS-RI and MALDI-TOF MS measurements for molecular mass analysis were employed. The IR, H NMR, SEM, DSC and TG measurements were taken for the structural characterization of the polymers. Additionally, the solubility test and metal ion complexation processes were also investigated in a wide range of pH. These polymers could be used in several areas such as: improving the aqueous solubility of poor water-soluble molecules, removing heavy metals from waste water, protecting degradable substances or synthesizing new drug delivery systems.

The contamination of the natural environment by xenobiotics and emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Among these contaminants, hormones and pharmaceutical compounds are particularly concerning due to their persistence and potential biological effects even at low concentrations. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of poly-amino-β-cyclodextrin (PA-β-CD) microparticles in adsorbing and reducing specific xenobiotics and pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions. Our research focused on four contaminants: two hormones, testosterone and progesterone, and two pharmaceutical drugs, diclofenac and carbamazepine. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify the adsorption capacity and efficiency of PA-β-CD microparticles.

The β-cyclodextrin polymer (PβCD) cross-linked with pyromellitic dianhydride (PD) and functionalized with an amino group (PAβCD) was introduced into a matrix made of sodium alginate (SA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a homogeneous surface of the composite material. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) testing of the PAβCD confirmed polymer formation. The tested polymer increased its solubility relative to the polymer without the amino group. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the stability of the system. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed the chemical binding of PAβCD and SA. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC-SEC) showed high cross-linking of PAβCD and allowed for accurate determination of its weight. The formation of the composite material such as PAβCD introduced into a matrix made of sodium alginate (SA) has several potential environmental implications, including the use of sustainable materials, reduced waste generation, reduced toxicity, and improved solubility.