Cyclodextrins (CDs) are nano-macrocycles composed of saccharidic units. The interest for this class of molecules spans from their use as functional encapsulators to building blocks of more complex aggregates. In this fashion, well-established nanostructures can be rationally planned in aqueous medium, originating different nanomaterials with distinctive biological properties, dependently on physico-chemical features of molecular components and their self-assembly. The aim of this contribution is to review research work dealing with CD nanomaterials realized as follows: i) aggregates of native or pharmaceutical trade CDs, ii) supramolecular self-assemblies based on CD by focussing on photo-responsive nanomaterials as well as mixed systems based on CD and polymers, iii) hard metal nanoparticles whose behaviour becomes soft by capping with CD. Through a critical overview of these issues, the properties of nanostructures in biologically relevant media and their potential application as nanotherapeutics will be highlighted. Moreover, studies on CD nanomaterials biofate upon passive targeting into solid tumors, cell uptake mediated by receptor targeting groups and intracellular trafficking will be discussed.

中文翻译：

---

生物软环糊精纳米材料

环糊精（CDs）是由糖单位组成的纳米大环。这类分子的兴趣范围从其用作功能性封装剂到更复杂的聚集体的构建基块。以这种方式，可以在水性介质中合理地计划良好建立的纳米结构，这取决于分子成分的物理化学特征及其自组装而产生具有独特生物学特性的不同纳米材料。该贡献的目的是审查有关实现以下目的的CD纳米材料的研究工作：i）天然或药物贸易CD的聚集体，ii）通过专注于光响应性纳米材料以及基于混合系统的基于CD的超分子自组装在CD和聚合物上； iii）硬金属纳米粒子，其行为通过用CD覆盖而变软。通过对这些问题的批判性概述，将重点介绍生物相关介质中纳米结构的特性及其作为纳米治疗剂的潜在应用。此外，将讨论对CD纳米材料进行生物靶向，被动靶向进入实体瘤，受体靶向基团介导的细胞摄取以及细胞内运输的研究。