Stimuli-responsive cyclodextrin-based nanoplatforms for cancer treatment and theranostics

Cyclodextrins (CDs) with highly branched hydroxyl moieties and hydrophobic cavities, have been widely employed as building blocks for the construction of CD-based nanoplatforms. By the incorporation of responsive functionalities, these nanoplatforms can be responsive to various stimuli, such as pH, temperature, redox, enzymes, light and magnetic fields. In this review, we summarize recent advances of stimuli-responsive CD-based nanoplatforms for cancer treatment and theranostics. Firstly, we introduce the synthesis of CD-based derivatives, CD-conjugated polymers and CD-decorated inorganic nanoparticles. Afterwards, the construction and respective properties of stimuli-responsive CD-based nanoplatforms are elaborated. Thirdly, we highlight their various biomedical applications, especially for cancer treatment and theranostics. At the end, the current challenges and new opportunities of CD-based nanoplatforms are also discussed.