Cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes as a versatile platform for biological and medicinal applications
Sapir Paryente, Hajar Aledwan, Abed Saady
Abstract
Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as rotaxanes and catenanes attract significant interest due to their unique structures and dynamic properties. Cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes (CD-rotaxanes) have emerged as promising supramolecular systems for biological and medicinal applications. Their host-guest interactions and mechanical bonds provide enhanced stability, stimuli-responsiveness, and tunable functionality. This review highlights their roles in targeted therapy, controlling drug release, theranostic agents, enzyme inhibitor, gene transport and bioimaging. Challenges and future perspectives in translating CD-rotaxanes to biomedical applications are discussed, emphasizing their potential as a next-generation therapeutic platform. Mechanically-interlocked molecules like rotaxanes and catenanes are gaining attention for their dynamic properties and unique structures. Here, the authors review cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes, highlighting their potential in targeted therapy, drug release, and bioimaging, and discuss challenges in advancing these systems as next-generation therapeutic platforms.