Supramolecular chemistry of cyclodextrins in enzyme technology

Cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives has been used in a range of applications related to enzymes specifically in the preparation of biosensors. The dynamic nature of host-guest interactions between CD derivatives and enzymes is exploited to increase the sensitivity of biosensing devices through signal amplification. Similarly, recycling of modified surfaces is also possible in devices containing complementary pairs of host/guest molecules due the reversible nature of the supramolecular interactions. Consequently, the use of molecular imprinting technology in CD-containing polymers should lead to improved results. One approach consists of formation of self-assembled monolayers of CDs using microcontact printing or nanoprint lithography. Currently, nanodevices for use as smart carriers is being developed that is able to target cells. In this sense, polymeric CD-containing nanocapsules with photoactive metal complexes included in the cavities can be used or the use of CdSe or CdS quantum dots capped with CDs which are able to supramolecularly associate drugs and target biomolecules while the semiconductor emits its intense fluorescent signal. The CD-enzyme interactions will also benefit biotechnological processes specifically downstream processes favoring easy recovery of valuable proteins produced by fermentation and cell culture technology.