The contribution of Franz Schardinger to cyclodextrins: a tribute on the occasion of the centenary of his death

For nearly 130 years, cyclodextrins, cyclic oligosaccharides obtained by enzymatic degradation of starch, have continued to fascinate researchers and the industrial world. These substances are remarkable macrocyclic molecules with significant theoretical and practical impacts in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, health science and agriculture. Amongst the list of prestigious researchers who have contributed to the fundamental knowledge of cyclodextrins, Franz Schardinger has played an important role. Schardinger was the first to describe their particular properties and lay the foundations for their chemistry. Indeed, he is known as the Founding Father of cyclodextrins. The purpose of this historical mini-review, on the occasion of the centenary of his death, is to commemorate his contribution to cyclodextrin chemistry. Graphic abstract [GRAPHICS] .