Cyclodextrin-functionalized polymers as drug carriers for cancer therapy

Abstract

Cyclodextrins (CDs) represent the most extensively investigated cyclic molecules due to their wide availability, facile functionalization, unique amphiphilicity and inclusion capacity. The marriage of CD chemistry with polymer science has generated novel biomaterials by integrating supermolecular host–guest chemistry and state-of-the-art polymer chemistry techniques. The current mini-review focuses on the recent progress in CD-functionalized polymers as drug carriers for cancer therapy. CD-functionalized polymers with different structures are summarized. Their application as drug carriers for cancer therapy is then highlighted. In the end, the future directions of this rapidly developing research field are discussed.