Cyclodextrins are a group of cyclic oligosaccharides obtained by enzymatic degradation of starch. They are remarkable macrocyclic molecules that have led major theoretical and practical advances in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, health science, and agriculture. Their molecular structure is composed of a hydrophobic cavity that can encapsulate other compounds to form inclusion complexes through host–guest interactions. This unique feature is at the origin of many applications. Cyclodextrins and their derivatives have a wide variety of practical applications in almost all sectors of the industry, including pharmacy, medicine, foods, cosmetics, chromatography, catalysis, biotechnology, and the textile industry. Villiers published the first reference to cyclodextrins in 1891, and since then, these molecules have continued to fascinate academia and industry. Currently, more than 2000 publications on cyclodextrins are published each year. On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of their discovery, in this review, we present an historical overview of the development and applications of cyclodextrins. First, we present the discovery and first chemical studies on cyclodextrins. Then, the main results obtained during the 1911–1970 exploration period are discussed. A third part presents the historical landmarks in the development of cyclodextrins from 1970 to the present day.

环糊精是通过淀粉的酶促降解获得的一组环状寡糖。它们是非凡的大环分子，在化学，生物学，生物化学，健康科学和农业领域取得了重大的理论和实践进展。它们的分子结构由疏水腔组成，该疏水腔可以包封其他化合物，通过宿主与客体的相互作用形成包合物。此独特功能源自许多应用程序。环糊精及其衍生物在制药，医药，食品，化妆品，色谱，催化，生物技术和纺织工业等几乎所有行业中都有广泛的实际应用。维利耶（Villiers）在1891年首次发表了关于环糊精的参考文献，从那时起，这些分子继续使学术界和工业着迷。目前，每年出版超过2000种有关环糊精的出版物。在其发现130周年之际，在本综述中，我们对环糊精的开发和应用进行了历史综述。首先，我们介绍了环糊精的发现和首次化学研究。然后，讨论了在1911年至1970年勘探期间获得的主要结果。第三部分介绍了1970年至今环糊精发展的历史标志。我们介绍了环糊精的发现和首次化学研究。然后，讨论了在1911年至1970年勘探期间获得的主要结果。第三部分介绍了1970年至今环糊精发展的历史标志。我们介绍了环糊精的发现和首次化学研究。然后，讨论了在1911年至1970年勘探期间获得的主要结果。第三部分介绍了1970年至今环糊精发展的历史标志。