Cyclodextrin-based polymer materials: From controlled synthesis to applications

The design and construction of polymers with diverse architectures play an important role in the field of polymer science and offers new opportunities for the development of novel multifunctional materials. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are attractive amphiphilic macromolecules that possess hydrophobic cavities and hydrophilic surface. The unique structures of CDs enable the design and synthesis of CD-based polymers with desired structures and functions. In this review, we systematically discuss recent advances on the design, synthesis and characterization of CD-based polymers, such as CD-cored star polymers, CD-threaded polymers and CD-capped polymers, as well as the emerging applications of CD-based polymer materials in such as self-assembled nanostructures, inorganic synthesis, intelligent hydrogels, and cancer imaging, diagnosis and therapy. The review is concluded with an overview of current challenges and perspectives. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.