The Concept of Cyclodextrin-Based Supramolecular Analytical Reagents

Abstract

Because of their simplicity and low cost, analytical reagents (i.e., chemosensors,) have been actively developed toward future applications for healthcare and biological studies. However, conventional molecular probes, the basic structures of analytical reagent, are typically insoluble in water, and their synthesis often requires complicated protocols. To address these issues, cyclodextrins (CyDs) are a promising clue owing to the encapsulation ability that solubilizes various organic compounds in water and can supramolecularly add molecular recognition moieties. We have conceptualized the design of cyclodextrin-based supramolecular analytical reagents, in which hydrophobic molecular probes are encapsulated in the CyD cavity that offers a nano-sized hydrophobic reaction field in water. In this review, we have summarized the basic concepts of analytical reagent and pointed out facing issues in this research area. Then, we have introduced successful examples of CyD-based supramolecular analytical reagents showing fluorescent, colorimetric, and electrochemical signals, mainly from our recent publications. We believe that the concept of CyD-based supramolecular analytical reagents will innovate the design of chemosensing system by providing unconventional molecular selectivity that cannot be achieved with traditional molecular probes.

graphical abstract