Cyclodextrin-based delivery systems for chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs: A review

Purification of gamma-cyclodextrin via selective coordination with potassium ions to form metal-organic frameworks

Efficient purification of gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) is always challenging due to its structural similarity to other CDs and low crystallinity in water. In addressing this issue, an approach was proposed based on the formation mechanism of cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs). This method involved the selective coordination of CDs mixture with potassium ions in water, facilitated by ethanol-induced crystallization, leading to the purification of γ-CD. The results showed that potassium ions enhanced γ-CD crystallization, and ethanol was crucial to selectively coordinating potassium ions with γ-CD. The characterizations revealed that the resulting CD-MOFs exhibited a small particle size, high surface area, and high thermal stability, and was identical to γ-CD-MOF, further indicating the final γ-CD with high purity. The separation factors of γ-CD/α-CD and γ-CD/β-CD were 309 and 260, respectively. Moreover, this method was validated through its application to the industrial enzymatic CDs mixture. The purification of γ-CD could achieve 99.99 ± 0.01 % after four crystallization cycles. Therefore, selectively coordinating with potassium ions to form MOFs provided a valuable reference for the purification of γ-CD and even the direct synthesis of γ-CD-MOF from CDs mixture. This advancement will also benefit the future production and application of γ-CD.

Multifunctionality of cyclodextrin-based polymeric nanoparticulate delivery systems for chemotherapeutics, combination therapy, and theranostics

As cancer being the most difficult disease to treat, different kinds of medications and therapeutic approaches have been prominently developed by scientists. For certain families of drugs, such as immuno-therapeutics or antibody-drug conjugates, efficient delivery systems are required during administration to protect the drugs from chemical degradation or biological inactivation. Delivery systems with the ability to carry different therapeutics or diagnostic agents or both, hold promising potential to tackle the abnormalities behind cancer. In this context, this review provides updated insights on how cyclodextrin-based polymeric nanosystems have become an effective treatment approach against cancer. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are natural oligosaccharides that are famously exploited in pharmaceutical research due to their exceptional quality of entrapping water-insoluble molecules inside their hydrophobic core and providing enhanced solubility with the help of their hydrophilic exterior. Combining the properties of CDs with polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) brings out excellent versatile and tunable profiles, thanks to the submicron-sized PNPs. By introducing the significance of CD as a delivery system, a collective discussion on different binding approaches and release mechanisms of CD-drug complexation, followed by their characterization studies has been done in this review. Further, in light of recent studies, the article majorly focuses on conveying how promoting CD to a polymeric and nanoscale elevates the multifunctional advantages against cancer that can be successfully applied in combination therapy and theranostics. Moreover, CD-based delivery systems including CALAA-01, CRLX101, and CRLX301, have demonstrated improved tumor targeting, reduced side effects, and prolonged drug release in preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Recent Advances in Engineering Carriers for siRNA Delivery

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been a promising treatment strategy for combating intractable diseases. However, the applications of RNAi in clinical are hampered by extracellular and intracellular barriers. To overcome these barriers, various siRNA delivery systems have been developed in the past two decades. The first approved RNAi therapeutic, Patisiran (ONPATTRO) using lipids as the carrier, for the treatment of amyloidosis is one of the most important milestones. This has greatly encouraged researchers to work on creating new functional siRNA carriers. In this review, the recent advances in siRNA carriers consisting of lipids, polymers, and polymer-modified inorganic particles for cancer therapy are summarized. Representative examples are presented to show the structural design of the carriers in order to overcome the delivery hurdles associated with RNAi therapies. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspective for developing RNAi as a clinical modality will be discussed and proposed. It is believed that the addressed contributions in this review will promote the development of siRNA delivery systems for future clinical applications.

Luminol-conjugated cyclodextrin biological nanoparticles for the treatment of severe burn-induced intestinal barrier disruption

Background

The breakdown of intestinal barrier integrity occurs after severe burn injury and is responsible for the subsequent reactions of inflammation and oxidative stress. A new protective strategy for the intestinal barrier is urgently needed due to the limitations of the traditional methods. Recently, the application of nanoparticles has become one of the promising therapies for many inflammation-related diseases or oxidative damage. Herein, we developed a new anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nanoparticle named luminol-conjugated cyclodextrin (LCD) and aimed to evaluate its protective effects in severe burn-induced intestinal injury.

Methods

First, LCD nanoparticles, engineered with covalent conjugation between luminol and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), were synthesized and examined. Then a mouse burn model was successfully established before the mouse body weight, intestinal histopathological manifestation, permeability, tight junction (TJ) expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined in different groups. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were assessed. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) were isolated and cultured for analysis by flow cytometry.

Results

LCD nanoparticle treatment significantly relieved the symptoms of burn-induced intestinal injury in the mouse model, including body weight loss and intestinal permeability abnormalities. Moreover, LCD nanoparticles remarkably recovered the mechanical barrier of the intestine after severe burn, renewed TJ structures, promoted IEC proliferation and migration, and inhibited IEC apoptosis. Mechanistically, LCD nanoparticles dramatically alleviated pro-inflammation factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-17A) and ROS accumulation, which could be highly involved in intestinal barrier disruption. Furthermore, an increase in IL-17A and the proportion of IL-17A+Vγ4+ γδ T subtype cells was also observed in vitro in LPS-treated Vγ4+ γδ T cells, but the use of LCD nanoparticles suppressed this increase.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings demonstrate that LCD nanoparticles have the protective ability to ameliorate intestinal barrier disruption and provide a therapeutic intervention for burn-induced intestinal injury.

The synergistic effect of metal ions and amino acids on the fermentation of β-CGTase-producing statin DF257

To meet the growing demand of β-cyclodextrin (CD), innovative approaches are being developed to improve the production of β-CD by β-cyclodextrin glucose-transferase (CGTase). Considering the low production and efficacy of wild-type β-CGTase-producing strains, to obtain the strains suitable for industrial production of β-CGTase, the recombinant engineered bacteria strain DF257 is constructed by transfecting with the plasmid expressing His tagged β-CGTase. The fermentation of β-CGTase-expressing DF257 was optimized in the presence of different metal ions, amino acids, and incubated at a certain temperature and pH condition. The results showed that when Mg2+ and isoleucine were added into the culture medium at 0.5 mM and 0.5 g/L, respectively, the enzyme activity of β-CGTase increased significantly after incubation at 37 °C with the initial pH of 7.5. In addition, the optimal temperature for β-CGTase with the addition of Mg2+ and isoleucine was also determined. The T half of β-CGTase under 50, 55, 60 and 65 °C was 9.5, 8.8, 6.2 and 1.2 h, respectively. Further investigation showed that β-CGTase kept stable under the pH 6.0-10.0, and pH 7.5 was identified as the optimal pH condition of β-CGTase. With the addition of Mg2+ and isoleucine, the kinetic properties of β-CGTase in the cyclization reaction had a similar form with Michaelis equation under 50 °C and pH 7.5, and Vmax, Km, and Kcat was 3.74 mg/mL/min, 3.28 mg/mL, and 31.17/s, respectively. The possible underlying mechanism by which Mg2+ and isoleucine synergistically improved the thermostability of β-CGTase was investigated by the surface hydrophobicity index analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The results indicated that addition of Mg2+ and isoleucine maintained the spatial structure and enhanced the thermostability of β-CGTase. These findings provided a theoretical basis for realizing the industrialization application of β-CGTase in promoting the generation of β-CD.

Therapeutic targets and potential delivery systems of melatonin in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent age-related musculoskeletal disorder that typically results in chronic pain and disability. OA is a multifactorial disease, with increased oxidative stress, dysregulated inflammatory response, and impaired matrix metabolism contributing to its onset and progression. The neurohormone melatonin, primarily synthesized by the pineal gland, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for OA due to its potential to alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress, and chondrocyte death with minimal adverse effects. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding regarding melatonin as a promising pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of OA, along with an exploration of various delivery systems that can be utilized for melatonin administration. These findings may provide novel therapeutic strategies and targets for inhibiting the advancement of OA.

Chitosan and Cyclodextrins-Versatile Materials Used to Create Drug Delivery Systems for Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers are characterized by a frequent incidence, a high number of associated deaths, and a tremendous burden on the medical system and patients worldwide. As conventional chemotherapeutic drugs face numerous limitations, researchers started to investigate better alternatives for extending drug efficacy and limiting adverse effects. A remarkably increasing interest has been addressed to chitosan and cyclodextrins, two highly versatile natural carbohydrate materials endowed with unique physicochemical properties. In this respect, numerous studies reported on fabricating various chitosan and cyclodextrin-based formulations that enabled prolonged circulation times, improved cellular internalization of carried drugs, preferential uptake by the targeted cells, reduced side effects, enhanced apoptosis rates, and increased tumor suppression rates. Therefore, this paper aims to briefly present the advantageous properties of these oligo- and polysaccharides for designing drug delivery systems, further focusing the discussion on nanocarrier systems based on chitosan/cyclodextrins for treating different gastrointestinal cancers. Specifically, there are reviewed studies describing promising solutions for colorectal, liver, gastric, pancreatic, and other types of cancers of the digestive system towards creating an updated framework of what concerns anticancer chitosan/cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems.

Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes improving antibacterial drug profiles: an update systematic review

Aim: The study aimed to review experimental models using cyclodextrins to improve antibacterial drugs' physicochemical characteristics and biological activities. Methods: The following terms and their combinations were used: cyclodextrins and antibacterial agents in title or abstract, and the total study search was conducted over a period up to October 2022. The review was carried out using PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases. A total of 1580 studies were identified, of which 27 articles were selected for discussion in this review. Results: The biological results revealed that the antibacterial effect of the inclusion complexes was extensively improved. Cyclodextrins can enhance the therapeutic effects of antibiotics already existing on the market, natural products and synthetic molecules. Conclusion: Overall, CDs as drug-delivery vehicles have been shown to improve antibiotics solubility, stability, and bioavailability, leading to enhanced antibacterial activity.

Modification of the Physicochemical Properties of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients via Lyophilization

Bioavailability is an important biopharmaceutical characteristic of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that is often correlated with their solubility in water. One of the methods of increasing solubility is freeze drying (lyophilization). The article provides a systematic review of studies published from 2012 to 2022 aimed at optimizing the properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients by freeze drying. This review was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). In general, 141 modifications of 36 APIs attributed to 12 pharmacological groups were reported in selected publications. To characterize the products of phase modification after lyophilization, a complex of analytical methods was used, including microscopic, thermal, X-ray, and spectral approaches. Solubility and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed. There is a tendency to increase solubility due to the amorphization of APIs during lyophilization. Thus, the alcohol lyophilizate of dihydroquercetin is "soluble" in water compared to the initial substance belonging to the category "very poorly soluble". Based on the analysis of the literature, it can be argued that lyophilization is a promising method for optimizing the properties of APIs.

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems in the Transdermal Treatment of Melanoma

The incidence rate of melanoma is dramatically increasing worldwide, raising it to the fifth most common cancer in men and the sixth in women currently. Resistance generally occurs to the agents used in chemotherapy; besides their high toxicity destroys the normal cells. This study reviewed a detailed summary of the structure, advantages, and disadvantages of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of melanoma, as well as some nanocarrier applications in animal models or clinical studies. Respective databases were searched for the target keywords and 93 articles were reviewed and discussed. A close study of the liposomes, niosomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, cubosomes, dendrimers, cyclodextrins, solid lipid nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was conducted. It was found that these nanocarriers could inhibit metastasis and migration of melanoma cells and decrease cell viability. Conclusively, some nanocarriers like liposomes, niosomes, and transferosomes have been discussed as superior to conventional therapies for melanoma treatment.

Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol and γ-Cyclodextrin on the Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Healthy Wistar Rats Treated with Cisplatin: A PCA Approach

It is well known that platinum-based antineoplastic agents, including cisplatin (CP), have side effects that limit their use. Nefrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hemolytic anemia are the most common side effects. There are few studies on the reduction in these effects that involves nanoencapsulation; however, almost none involve cyclodextrins (CDs). Changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of healthy Wistar rats treated with solutions of γ-cyclodextrin/resveratrol/cisplatin (γ-CD/Rv/CP) ternary complexes are investigated for the first time. They are intraperitoneally injected with γ-CD/Rv/CP solutions containing 5 mg CP/kg.b.w. Single shots were administered to six groups of Wistar rats (six individuals for every group) using γ-CD/Rv/CP, γ-CD/CP, γ-CD/Rv complexes, as well as positive- and negative-control groups, respectively. Thirty-two hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated from blood samples and used as input variables for the principal component analysis (PCA) discrimination of the groups. The best protection was obtained for the γ-CD/Rv/CP ternary complex, which determined closer biochemical values to the control group. These values significantly differ from those of the γ-CD/CP treated group, especially for the IP, UA, and T-Pro kidney-related biochemical parameters. This finding proves the beneficial influence of Rv during CP administration through CD-based carriers.

Four Ounces Can Move a Thousand Pounds: The Enormous Value of Nanomaterials in Tumor Immunotherapy

The application of nanomaterials in healthcare has emerged as a promising strategy due to their unique structural diversity, surface properties, and compositional diversity. In particular, nanomaterials have found a significant role in improving drug delivery and inhibiting the growth and metastasis of tumor cells. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted their potential in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhancing the activity of immune cells to improve tumor therapy efficacy. Various types of nanomaterials are currently utilized as drug carriers, immunosuppressants, immune activators, immunoassay reagents, and more for tumor immunotherapy. Necessarily, nanomaterials used for tumor immunotherapy can be grouped into two categories: organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Though both have shown the ability to achieve the purpose of tumor immunotherapy, their composition and structural properties result in differences in their mechanisms and modes of action. Organic nanomaterials can be further divided into organic polymers, cell membranes, nanoemulsion-modified, and hydrogel forms. At the same time, inorganic nanomaterials can be broadly classified as nonmetallic and metallic nanomaterials. The current work aims to explore the mechanisms of action of these different types of nanomaterials and their prospects for promoting tumor immunotherapy.

Enlarged pore of worm mesoporous silica nanoparticles improves anti-inflammatory drug absorption

Searching for an effective pore-enlarging agent to form mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) with a creative surface frame is of great importance. Herein, several polymers were attempted to be pore-enlarging agents to form seven types of worm mesoporous silica nanoparticles (W-MSN) and analgesic indometacin that exerted functions on inflammatory diseases (breast disease, arthrophlogosis, etc.) was studied to enhance its delivery efficiency. The porous morphology differences between MSN and W-MSN were that MSN had independent mesopores while the enlarged mesopores of W-MSN were interrelated and shaped as a worm. Among all these W-MSN, WG-MSN templated by hydroxypropyl cellulose acetate succinate HG with the highest drug-loading capacity (24.78%), shortest loading time (10 h), drug dissolution improvement of almost 4 times compared to that of the raw drug, and highest bioavailability (5.48 times higher than that of raw drug and 1.52 times higher than that of MSN) was an outstanding drug carrier and can shoulder the mission to deliver drugs with high efficiency.

β-Cyclodextrins as affordable antivirals to treat coronavirus infection

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic made evident that there are only a few drugs against coronavirus. Here we aimed to identify a cost-effective antiviral with broad spectrum activity and high safety profile. Starting from a list of 116 drug candidates, we used molecular modelling tools to rank the 44 most promising inhibitors. Next, we tested their efficacy as antivirals against α and β coronaviruses, such as the HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 variants. Four drugs, OSW-1, U18666A, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HβCD) and phytol, showed in vitro antiviral activity against HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2. The mechanism of action of these compounds was studied by transmission electron microscopy and by fusion assays measuring SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral entry into target cells. Entry was inhibited by HβCD and U18666A, yet only HβCD inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in the pulmonary Calu-3 cells. Compared to the other cyclodextrins, β-cyclodextrins were the most potent inhibitors, which interfered with viral fusion via cholesterol depletion. β-cyclodextrins also prevented infection in a human nasal epithelium model ex vivo and had a prophylactic effect in the nasal epithelium of hamsters in vivo. All accumulated data point to β-cyclodextrins as promising broad-spectrum antivirals against different SARS-CoV-2 variants and distant alphacoronaviruses. Given the wide use of β-cyclodextrins for drug encapsulation and their high safety profile in humans, our results support their clinical testing as prophylactic antivirals.

Robust Inclusion Complex of Topotecan Comprised within a Rhodamine-Labeled β-Cyclodextrin: Competing Proton and Energy Transfer Processes

Monitoring the biological fate of medicaments within the environments of cancer cells is an important challenge which is nowadays the object of intensive studies. In this regard, rhodamine-based supramolecular systems are one of the most suitable probes used in drug delivery thanks to their high emission quantum yield and sensitivity to the environment which helps to track the medicament in real time. In this work, we used steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy techniques to investigate the dynamics of the anticancer drug, topotecan (TPT), in water (pH ~6.2) in the presence of a rhodamine-labeled methylated β-cyclodextrin (RB-RM-βCD). A stable complex of 1:1 stoichiometry is formed with a K_eq value of ~4 × 10⁴ M^-1 at room temperature. The fluorescence signal of the caged TPT is reduced due to: (1) the CD confinement effect; and (2) a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process from the trapped drug to the RB-RM-βCD occurring in ~43 ps with 40% efficiency. These findings provide additional knowledge about the spectroscopic and photodynamic interactions between drugs and fluorescent functionalized CDs, and may lead to the design of new fluorescent CD-based host-guest nanosystems with efficient FRET to be used in bioimaging for drug delivery monitoring.

The Role of Cyclodextrin in the Construction of Nanoplatforms: From Structure, Function and Application Perspectives

Cyclodextrins (CyDs) in nano drug delivery systems have received much attention in pursuit of good compatibility, negligible toxicity, and improved pharmacokinetics of drugs. Their unique internal cavity has widened the application of CyDs in drug delivery based on its advantages. Besides this, the polyhydroxy structure has further extended the functions of CyDs by inter- and intramolecular interactions and chemical modification. Furthermore, the versatile functions of the complex contribute to alteration of the physicochemical characteristics of the drugs, significant therapeutic promise, a stimulus-responsive switch, a self-assembly capability, and fiber formation. This review attempts to list recent interesting strategies regarding CyDs and discusses their roles in nanoplatforms, and may act as a guideline for developing novel nanoplatforms. Future perspectives on the construction of CyD-based nanoplatforms are also discussed at the end of this review, which may provide possible direction for the construction of more rational and cost-effective delivery vehicles.

Recent Development of Supramolecular Cancer Theranostics Based on Cyclodextrins: A Review

With the development of personalized medical demands for precise diagnosis, rational management and effective cancer treatment, supramolecular theranostic systems have received widespread attention due to their reversibly switchable structures, sensitive response to biological stimuli and integration ability for multiple capabilities in a single platform with a programmable fashion. Cyclodextrins (CDs), benefiting from their excellent characteristics, such as non-toxicity, easy modification, unique host-guest properties, good biocompatibility, etc., as building blocks, serve as an all-purpose strategy for the fabrication of a supramolecular cancer theranostics nanodevice that is capable of biosafety, controllability, functionality and programmability. This review focuses on the supramolecular systems of CD-bioimaging probes, CD-drugs, CD-genes, CD-proteins, CD-photosensitizers and CD-photothermal agents as well as multicomponent cooperation systems with regards to building a nanodevice with functions of diagnosis and (or) therapeutics of cancer treatment. By introducing several state-of-the-art examples, emphasis will be placed on the design of various functional modules, the supramolecular interaction strategies under the fantastic topological structures and the hidden "bridge" between their structures and therapeutic efficacy, aiming for further comprehension of the important role of a cyclodextrin-based nanoplatform in advancing supramolecular cancer theranostics.

Host-guest drug delivery by β-cyclodextrin assisted polysaccharide vehicles: A review

Among different form of cyclodextrin (CD), β-CD has been taken a special attraction in pharmaceutical science due to lowest aqueous solubility and adequate cavity size. When β-CD forms inclusion complex with drugs then biopolymers such as polysaccharides in combination plays a vital role as a vehicle for safe release of drugs. It is noticed that, β-CD assisted polysaccharide-based composite achieves better drug release rate through host-guest mechanism. Present review is a critical analysis of this host-guest mechanism for release of drugs from polysaccharide supported β-CD inclusion complex. Various important polysaccharides such as cellulose, alginate, chitosan, dextran, etc. in relevant to drug delivery are logically compared in present review by their association with β-CD. Efficacy of mechanism of drug delivery by different polysaccharides with β-CD is analytically examined in schematic form. Drug release capacity at different pH conditions, mode of drug release, along with characterization techniques adopted by individual polysaccharide-based CD complexes are comparatively established in tabular form. This review may explore better visibility for researchers those are working in the area of controlled release of drugs by vehicle consist of β-CD associated polysaccharide composite through host-guest mechanism.

Hyaluronidase-trigger nanocarriers for targeted delivery of anti-liver cancer compound

Chemotherapy is recognized as one of the significant treatment methods for liver cancer. The compound celastrol (CSL) could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells, which is regarded as a promising candidate to become a mainstream anti-liver cancer drug. However, the application of CSL in liver cancer chemotherapy is limited due to its systemic toxicity, poor water solubility, multidrug resistance, premature degradation, and lack of tumor targeting. Meanwhile, in order to comply with the current concept of precision medicine, precisely targeted delivery of the anti-liver compound CSL was desired. This paper takes into account that liver cancer cells were equipped with hyaluronic acid (HA) receptors (CD44) on their surface and overexpressed. Hyaluronidase (HAase) capable of degrading HA, HAase-responsive nanocarriers (NCs), named HA/(MI)₇-β-CD NCs, were prepared based on the electrostatic interaction between HA and imidazole moieties modified β-cyclodextrin (MI)₇-β-CD. HA/(MI)₇-β-CD NCs showed disassembly properties under HAase stimuli, which was utilized to trap, deliver, and the controllable release of the anti-liver cancer compound CSL. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assay experiments revealed that CSL-trapped HA/(MI)₇-β-CD NCs not only reduced cytotoxicity for normal cells but also effectively inhibited the survival for five tumor cells, and even the apoptotic effect of CSL-trapped NCs with a concentration of 5 μg mL^-1 on tumor cells (SMMC-7721) was consistent with free CSL. Cell uptake experiments demonstrated HA/(MI)₇-β-CD NCs possessed the capability of targeted drug delivery to cancerous cells. HA/(MI)₇-β-CD NCs exhibited site-specific and controllable release performance, which is anticipated to proceed further in precision-targeted drug delivery systems.

Influence of β-Cyclodextrin Methylation on Host-Guest Complex Stability: A Theoretical Study of Intra- and Intermolecular Interactions as Well as Host Dimer Formation

Understanding the non-covalent interactions in host-guest complexes is crucial to their stability, design and applications. Here, we use density functional theory to compare the ability of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) to encapsulate the model guest phenol. For both macrocycles, we quantify the intramolecular interactions before and after the formation of the complex, as well as the intermolecular host-guest and host-host dimer interactions. These are individually classified as van der Waals interactions or hydrogen bonds, respectively. The results show a stronger intramolecular binding energy of β-CD, with the absolute difference being −5.53 kcal/mol relative to DM-β-CD. Consequently, the intermolecular interactions of both cyclodextrins with phenol are affected, such that the free binding energy calculated for the DM-β-CD/phenol complex (−5.23 kcal/mol) is ≈50% more negative than for the complex with β-CD (−2.62 kcal/mol). The latter is in excellent agreement with the experimental data (−2.69 kcal/mol), which validates the level of theory (B97-3c) used. Taken together, the methylation of β-CD increases the stability of the host-guest complex with the here studied guest phenol through stronger van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. We attribute this to the disruption of the hydrogen bond network in the primary face of β-CD upon methylation, which influences the flexibility of the host toward the guest as well as the strength of the intermolecular interactions. Our work provides fundamental insights into the impact of different non-covalent interactions on host-guest stability, and we suggest that this theoretical framework can be adapted to other host-guest complexes to evaluate and quantify their non-covalent interactions.

Cyclodextrin-Based Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are one of the most extensively studied cyclic-oligosaccharides due to their low toxicity, good biodegradability and biocompatibility, facile chemical modification, and unique inclusion capacity. However, problems such as poor pharmacokinetics, plasma membrane disruption, hemolytic effects and a lack of target specificity still exist for their applications as drug carriers. Recently, polymers have been introduced into CDs to combine the advantages of both biomaterials for the superior delivery of anticancer agents in cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize four types of CD-based polymeric carriers for the delivery of chemotherapeutics or gene agents for cancer therapy. These CD-based polymers were classified based on their structural properties. Most of the CD-based polymers were amphiphilic with the introduction of hydrophobic/hydrophilic segments and were able to form nanoassemblies. Anticancer drugs could be included in the cavity of CDs, encapsulated in the nanoparticles or conjugated on the CD-based polymers. In addition, the unique structures of CDs enable the functionalization of targeting agents and stimuli-responsive materials to realize the targeting and precise release of anticancer agents. In summary, CD-based polymers are attractive carriers for anticancer agents.

Solid-State Formation of a Potential Melphalan Delivery Nanosystem Based on β-Cyclodextrin and Silver Nanoparticles

Melphalan (Mel) is an antineoplastic widely used in cancer and other diseases. Its low solubility, rapid hydrolysis, and non-specificity limit its therapeutic performance. To overcome these disadvantages, Mel was included in β-cyclodextrin (βCD), which is a macromolecule that increases its aqueous solubility and stability, among other properties. Additionally, the βCD-Mel complex has been used as a substrate to deposit silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through magnetron sputtering, forming the βCD-Mel-AgNPs crystalline system. Different techniques showed that the complex (stoichiometric ratio 1:1) has a loading capacity of 27%, an association constant of 625 M^-1, and a degree of solubilization of 0.034. Added to this, Mel is partially included, exposing the NH₂ and COOH groups that stabilize AgNPs in the solid state, with an average size of 15 ± 3 nm. Its dissolution results in a colloidal solution of AgNPs covered by multiple layers of the βCD-Mel complex, with a hydrodynamic diameter of 116 nm, a PDI of 0.4, and a surface charge of 19 mV. The in vitro permeability assays show that the effective permeability of Mel increased using βCD and AgNPs. This novel nanosystem based on βCD and AgNPs is a promising candidate as a Mel nanocarrier for cancer therapy.

An Overview of Taste-Masking Technologies: Approaches, Application, and Assessment Methods

It is well-known that plenty of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) inherently possess an unpleasant taste, which influences the acceptance of patients, especially children. Therefore, manufacturing taste-masked dosage forms has attracted a lot of attention. This review describes in detail the taste-masking technologies based on the difference in the taste transmission mechanism which is currently available. In particular, the review highlights the application of various methods, with a special focus on how to screen the appropriate masking technology according to the properties of API. Subsequently, we overviewed how to assess taste-masking efficacy, guiding researchers to rationally design taste-masking formulations.

Cyclodextrins as eminent constituents in nanoarchitectonics for drug delivery systems

Cyclodextrins have been widely employed for drug delivery systems (DDSs) in which drugs are selectively delivered to a target site in the body. Recent interest has been focused on the construction of cyclodextrin-based nanoarchitectures that show sophisticated DDS functions. These nanoarchitectures are precisely fabricated based on three important features of cyclodextrins, namely (1) the preorganized three-dimensional molecular structure of nanometer size, (2) the easy chemical modification to introduce functional groups, and (3) the formation of dynamic inclusion complexes with various guests in water. With the use of photoirradiation, drugs are released from cyclodextrin-based nanoarchitectures at designated timing. Alternatively, therapeutic nucleic acids are stably protected in the nanoarchitectures and delivered to the target site. The efficient delivery of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene editing was also successful. Even more complicated nanoarchitectures can be designed for sophisticated DDSs. Cyclodextrin-based nanoarchitectures are highly promising for future applications in medicine, pharmaceutics, and other relevant fields.

Optimizing Dacarbazine Therapy: Design of a Laser-Triggered Delivery System Based on β-Cyclodextrin and Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles

Dacarbazine (DB) is an antineoplastic drug extensively used in cancer therapy. However, present limitations on its performance are related to its low solubility, instability, and non-specificity. To overcome these drawbacks, DB was included in β-cyclodextrin (βCD), which increased its aqueous solubility and stability. This new βCD@DB complex has been associated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been added in the process to increase the colloidal stability and biocompatibility. Different techniques revealed that DB allows for a dynamic inclusion into βCD, with an association constant of 80 M^-1 and a degree of solubilization of 0.023, where βCD showed a loading capacity of 16%. The partial exposure of the NH₂ group in the included DB allows its interaction with AuNPs, with a loading efficiency of 99%. The PEG-AuNPs-βCD@DB nanosystem exhibits an optical plasmonic absorption at 525 nm, a surface charge of -29 mV, and an average size of 12 nm. Finally, laser irradiation assays showed that DB can be released from this platform in a controlled manner over time, reaching a concentration of 56 μg/mL (43% of the initially loaded amount), which, added to the previous data, validates its potential for drug delivery applications. Therefore, the novel nanosystem based on βCD, AuNPs, and PEG is a promising candidate as a new nanocarrier for DB.

A Review of Cyclodextrin Encapsulation and Intelligent Response for the Release of Curcumin

To overcome the low water solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin (CUR), multiple delivery strategies have been proposed. Among these, cyclodextrin-based carriers have been widely used for the encapsulation and delivery of CUR. Cyclodextrins (CDs), as natural oligosaccharides, have been well known for their biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and internal hydrophobic and external hydrophilic structural features. This paper summarizes the recently reported CD-based carriers for encapsulating CUR. Particularly, the polymerization properties of CD self-assembly to enhance the encapsulation of CUR are discussed. In addition, the current progress on stimuli-responsive CD carriers for controlled release of CUR is described, which laid an important foundation for the development of CUR-based precision therapy in clinical practice. In conclusion, this review may provide ideas for the future development of a CD-based encapsulant for CUR.

Adamantane-Substituted Purine Nucleosides: Synthesis, Host-Guest Complexes with β-Cyclodextrin and Biological Activity

Purine nucleosides represent an interesting group of nitrogen heterocycles, showing a wide range of biological effects. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of 6,9-disubstituted and 2,6,9-trisubstituted purine ribonucleosides via consecutive nucleophilic aromatic substitution, glycosylation, and deprotection of the ribofuranose unit. We prepared eight new purine nucleosides bearing unique adamantylated aromatic amines at position 6. Additionally, the ability of the synthesized purine nucleosides to form stable host-guest complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) experiments. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of purine nucleosides and their equimolar mixtures with β-CD was tested against two types of human tumor cell line. Six adamantane-based purine nucleosides showed an antiproliferative activity in the micromolar range. Moreover, their effect was only slightly suppressed by the presence of β-CD, which was probably due to the competitive binding of the corresponding purine nucleoside inside the β-CD cavity.

Ruthenium-based antitumor drugs and delivery systems from monotherapy to combination therapy

Ruthenium complex is an important compound group for antitumor drug research and development. NAMI-A, KP1019, TLD1433 and other ruthenium complexes have entered clinical research. In recent years, the research on ruthenium antitumor drugs has not been limited to single chemotherapy drugs; other applications of ruthenium complexes have emerged such as in combination therapy. During the development of ruthenium complexes, drug delivery forms of ruthenium antitumor drugs have also evolved from single-molecule drugs to nanodrug delivery systems. The review summarizes the following aspects: (1) ruthenium complexes from monotherapy to combination therapy, including the development of single-molecule compounds, carrier nanomedicine, and self-assembly of carrier-free nanomedicine; (2) ruthenium complexes in the process of ADME in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion; (3) the applications of ruthenium complexes in combination therapy, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT), immunotherapy, and their combined application; (4) the future prospects of ruthenium-based antitumor drugs.

Alteration of cholesterol distribution at the plasma membrane of cancer cells: From evidence to pathophysiological implication and promising therapy strategy

Cholesterol-enriched domains are nowadays proposed to contribute to cancer cell proliferation, survival, death and invasion, with important implications in tumor progression. They could therefore represent promising targets for new anticancer treatment. However, although diverse strategies have been developed over the years from directly targeting cholesterol membrane content/distribution to adjusting sterol intake, all approaches present more or less substantial limitations. Those data emphasize the need to optimize current strategies, to develop new specific cholesterol-targeting anticancer drugs and/or to combine them with additional strategies targeting other lipids than cholesterol. Those objectives can only be achieved if we first decipher (i) the mechanisms that govern the formation and deformation of the different types of cholesterol-enriched domains and their interplay in healthy cells; (ii) the mechanisms behind domain deregulation in cancer; (iii) the potential generalization of observations in different types of cancer; and (iv) the specificity of some alterations in cancer vs. non-cancer cells as promising strategy for anticancer therapy. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on the homeostasis, roles and membrane distribution of cholesterol in non-tumorigenic cells. We will then integrate documented alterations of cholesterol distribution in domains at the surface of cancer cells and the mechanisms behind their contribution in cancer processes. We shall finally provide an overview on the potential strategies developed to target those cholesterol-enriched domains in cancer therapy.

An Updated Overview of Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Encompassing a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases, cancer continues to be a challenge for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Thus, it is of vital importance to develop advanced treatment strategies that could reduce the trends of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality rates. Scientists have focused on creating performant delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents. Among the possible materials, cyclodextrins (CDs) attracted increasing interest over the past few years, leading to the emergence of promising anti-tumor nanomedicines. Tackling their advantageous chemical structure, ease of modification, natural origin, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and commercial availability, researchers investigated CD-based therapeutical formulations against many types of cancer. In this respect, in this paper, we briefly present the properties of interest of CDs for designing performant nanocarriers, further reviewing some of the most recent potential applications of CD-based delivery systems in cancer management.

An Updated Overview of Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Encompassing a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases, cancer continues to be a challenge for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Thus, it is of vital importance to develop advanced treatment strategies that could reduce the trends of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality rates. Scientists have focused on creating performant delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents. Among the possible materials, cyclodextrins (CDs) attracted increasing interest over the past few years, leading to the emergence of promising anti-tumor nanomedicines. Tackling their advantageous chemical structure, ease of modification, natural origin, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and commercial availability, researchers investigated CD-based therapeutical formulations against many types of cancer. In this respect, in this paper, we briefly present the properties of interest of CDs for designing performant nanocarriers, further reviewing some of the most recent potential applications of CD-based delivery systems in cancer management.

Galangin/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex as a Drug-Delivery System for Improved Solubility and Biocompatibility in Breast Cancer Treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of a newly modified cyclodextrin derivative, water-soluble β-cyclodextrin–epichlorohydrin (β-CD), as an effective drug carrier to enhance the poor solubility and bioavailability of galangin (GAL), a poorly water-soluble model drug. In this regard, inclusion complexes of GAL/β-CDP were prepared. UV-VIS spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray crystallography (XRD), zeta potential analysis, particle size analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to characterize the synthesized GAL/β-CD. Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7; human breast cancer cells) and rat embryo fibroblast (REF; normal cells) were employed to examine the in vitro cytotoxic effects of GAL/β-CD using various parameters. The dye-based tests of MTT and crystal violet clearly exhibited that GAL/β-CD-treated cells had a reduced proliferation rate, an influence that was not found in the normal cell line. The cells’ death was found to follow apoptotic mechanisms, as revealed by the dye-based test of acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr), with the involvement of the mitochondria via caspase-3-mediated events, as manifested by the Rh 123 test. We also included a mouse model to examine possible in vivo toxic effects of GAL/β-CD. It appears that the inclusion complex does not have a significant influence on normal cells, as indicated by serum levels of kidney and liver enzymatic markers, as well as thymic and splenic mass indices. A similar conclusion was reached on the histological level, as manifested by the absence of pathological alterations in the liver, kidney, thymus, spleen, heart, and lung.

Recent Advancements in Cyclodextrin-Based Adsorbents for the Removal of Hazardous Pollutants from Waters

Water is an essential substance for the survival on Earth of all living organisms. However, population growth has disturbed the natural phenomenon of living, due to industrial growth to meet ever expanding demands, and, hence, an exponential increase in environmental pollution has been reported in the last few decades. Moreover, water pollution has drawn major attention for its adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. Various techniques have been used to treat wastewater, including biofiltration, activated sludge, membrane filtration, active oxidation process and adsorption. Among the mentioned, the last method is becoming very popular. Moreover, among the sorbents, those based on cyclodextrin have gained worldwide attention due to their excellent properties. This review article overviewed recent contributions related to the synthesis of Cyclodextrin (CD)-based adsorbents to treat wastewater, and their applications, especially for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants (pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptor chemicals). Furthermore, new adsorption trends and trials related to CD-based materials are also discussed regarding their regenerative potential. Finally, this review could be an inspiration for new research and could also anticipate future directions and challenges associated with CD-based adsorbents.

Killing the Culprit: Pharmacological Solutions to Get Rid of Cholesterol Crystals

Cholesterol crystals (CCs) play a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) via triggering inflammation, plaque formation and subsequently plaque rupture. Although statins can stabilize plaques via calcification and alteration of the lipid composition within plaques, there is still a high residual risk of CVD events among statins users. Several studies have tried to blunt the detrimental effects of cholesterol crystals by pharmacological interventions. Cyclodexterins (CDs) and other nanoformulations, including polymers of CDs and liposomes, have the ability to dissolve CCs in vitro and in vivo. CDs were the first in their class that entered clinical trials and showed promising results, though their ototoxicity outweighed their benefits. Moreover, small molecules with structural similarity to cholesterol may also perturb cholesterol-cholesterol interactions and prevent from expansion of 2D crystalline domains to large 3D CCs. The results from ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid were encouraging and worth further consideration. In this review, the significance of CCs in pathogenesis of CVD is discussed and pharmacological agents with the ability to dissolve CCs or prevent from CCs formation are introduced.

A β-Cyclodextrin-Albumin Conjugate for Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Cytotoxic Drugs

Enhancing the selectivity of anticancer drugs currently used in the clinic is of great interest in order to propose more efficient chemotherapies with fewer side effects for patients. In this context, we developed a β-cyclodextrin trimer that binds to circulating albumin to form the corresponding bioconjugate in the bloodstream. This latter can then entrap doxorubicin following its i.v. administration via the formation of a host-guest inclusion complex and deliver the drug in tumors. In this study, we demonstrate that the β-cyclodextrin trimer improves the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin for the treatment of a subcutaneous murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) implanted in C57BL/6 mice. This outcome is associated with an increased deposition of doxorubicin in malignant tissues when used in combination with the β-cyclodextrin trimer compared to the administration of the drug alone.

Carbohydrates based stimulus responsive nanocarriers for cancer-targeted chemotherapy: A review of current practices

INTRODUCTION

Many nanocarriers have been developed to react physicochemically to exterior stimuli like ultrasonic, light, heat, and magnetic fields, along with various internal stimuli including pH, hypoxia, enzyme, and redox potential. Nanocarriers are capable to respond various stimuli within the cancer cells to enable on-demand drug delivery, activation of bioactive compounds, controlled drug release, and targeting ligands, as well as size, charge, and conformation conversion, enabling sensing and signaling, overcoming multidrug resistance, accurate diagnosis, and precision therapy.

AREAS COVERED

Carbohydrates are ubiquitous biomolecules with a high proclivity for supramolecular network formation. Numerous carbohydrate-based nanomaterials have been used in biological solicitations and stimuli-based responses. Particular emphasis has been placed on the utilization of carbohydrate-based NPs and nanogels in various fields including imaging, drug administration, and tissue engineering. Because the assembly process is irreversible, carbohydrate-based systems are excellent ingredients for the development of stimulus-responsive nanocarriers for cancer-targeted chemotherapy. This review aims to summarise current research on carbohydrate-based nanomaterials, with an emphasis on stimuli-sensitive nanocarriers for cancer-targeted chemotherapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Carbohydrates-based stimulus-responsive nanomaterials have been proved highly efficient for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, thus leading to effective chemotherapy with minimum off-target effects.

Targeted delivery and enhanced uptake of chemo-photodynamic nanomedicine for melanoma treatment

Nanoparticles (NPs) modified with targeting ligands have often shown great potential in targeted drug delivery for tumor therapy. However, the clearance of NPs by the monocyte-phagocyte system (MPS) and the relatively low cellular uptake by tumor cells have significantly limited the antitumor efficacy of a variety of nanomedicines. Tumor microenvironment-mediated multidrug resistance also reduces the antitumor efficacy of internalized nanomedicines. Herein, we developed an innovative nanomedicine for combined chemo-photodynamic therapy of melanoma through targeted drug delivery and significantly improved the cellular uptake of the nanomedicine through the charge-reversal phenomenon. An amphiphilic platinum (IV)-polyethylenimine-chlorin e6 (Pt(IV)-PEI-Ce6) polymer was designed, prepared, and self-assembled into NPs (PPC) in an aqueous solution, and these NPs were subsequently coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to afford PPC@HA. The surface-coated HA provided PPC with a negatively charged surface potential to reduce the clearance by the MPS during systemic circulation and enhanced the targeted delivery of PPC to CD44-overexpressing melanoma cells. Upon accumulation in the tumor site, hyaluronidase overexpressed in the tumor induced HA degradation to release the positively charged PPC, resulting in an increased internalization of PPC into tumor cells. Bioactive Pt(II) was released in response to high glutathione level in the tumor cells for effective tumor chemotherapy. Under 650 nm laser irradiation, Ce6 produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus driving photodynamic therapy. Finally, PPC@HA exhibited combined photodynamic-chemotherapeutic antitumor efficacy against the melanoma cells in mice. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumors are one of the greatest threats to human health, and chemotherapy has been one of the most common therapeutic modalities for treating tumors; however, many challenges related to chemotherapy remain, such as low delivery efficiency, side effects, and unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Nanomedicines modified with targeting ligands have often shown great potential in improving targeted drug delivery for tumor therapy; however, the clearance of nanomaterials by the monocyte-phagocyte system and the relatively low cellular uptake by tumor cells have significantly limited the antitumor efficacy of a variety of nanomedicines. Herein, we developed a novel charge-reversal-based, hyaluronic acid-coated, Pt(IV) prodrug and chlorin e6-based nanomedicine to improve systemic circulation and targeted accumulation of the nanomedicine in the tumor tissue and to enhance its intracellular uptake. This nanomedicine may provide a potential new platform to improve the drug content inside tumor cells and to effectively inhibit tumor growth through combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.

Recent Updates on Supramolecular-Based Drug Delivery - Macrocycles and Supramolecular Gels

Supramolecules-based drug delivery has attracted significant recent research attention as it could enhance drug solubility, retention time, targeting, and stimuli responsiveness. Among the different supramolecules and assemblies, the macrocycles and the supramolecular hydrogels are the two important categories investigated to a greater extent. Here, we provide the most recent advancements in these categories. Under macrocycles, reports on drug delivery by cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes/pillararenes, crown ethers and porphyrins are detailed. The second category discusses the supramolecular hydrogels of macrocycles/polymers and low molecular weight gelators. The updated information provided could be helpful to advance R & D in this vital area.

Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges: Overview and Opportunities

Nanosponges are solid cross-linked polymeric nano-sized porous structures. This broad concept involves, among others, metal organic frameworks and hydrogels. The focus of this manuscript is on cyclodextrin-based nanosponges. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligomers of glucose derived from starch. The combined external hydrophilicity with the internal hydrophobic surface constitute a unique “microenvironment”, that 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. These properties complemented with the possibility of using different crosslinkers and high polymeric surface, make these sponges highly suitable for a large range of applications. Despite that, in the last 2 decades, cyclodextrin-based nanosponges have been developed for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, taking advantage of the nontoxicity of cyclodextrins towards humans. This paper provides a critical and timely compilation of the contributions involving cyclodextrins nanosponges for those areas, but also paves the way for other important applications, including water and soil remediation and catalysis.

Computational Methods for the Interaction between Cyclodextrins and Natural Compounds: Technology, Benefits, Limitations, and Trends

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have a hollow structure with a hydrophobic interior and hydrophilic exterior. Forming inclusion complexes with CDs will maximize the bioavailability of natural compounds and enable active components to be processed into functional foods, medicines, additives, and so forth. However, experimental methods cannot explain CD-guest binding at the atomic level. Different models have been recently developed to simulate the interaction between CDs and guests to study the binding conformation and analyze noncovalent forces. This review paper summarizes modeling methods of CD-natural compound complexes. The methods include quantitative structure-activity relationships, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum-chemical calculations. The applications of these methods to enhance the solubility and bioactivities of guest molecules, assist material transportation, and promote compound extraction are also discussed. The purpose of this review is to explore interaction mechanisms of CDs and guests and to help expand new applications of CDs.

Dextran, as a biological macromolecule for the development of bioactive wound dressing materials: A review of recent progress and future perspectives

Skin is the largest organ in the body which plays different roles in maintaining hemostasis. Although this tissue has a high healing potential, severe skin wounds cannot heal without external interventions. Among various treatment strategies, tissue-engineered wound dressings have gained significant attention. In this regard, tremendous progress has been made in the field of tissue engineering to develop constructs with higher healing activities. Material selection and optimization are key factors in development of such dressings. Among different candidates, dextran-based wound dressings have been extensively studied. Dextran is a branched biological macromolecule which is composed of anhydroglucose monomers. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, modifiable functional groups, and proven clinical safety, dextran has found application in wound healing research. In the current review, applications, challenges, and future perspectives of dextran-based wound dressings will be discussed.