Synthesis of cyclodextrin derivatives carrying bio-recognisable saccharide antennae

The use of coupling saccharide antenna onto cyclodextrins allows mobility for the biologically active galactose head group, and allows the recognition process by the lectin (KbCWL). This paper reports a chemical synthesis of beta-CD derivatives using spacer arms 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 carbon atoms. Preliminary results suggested that recognition is strongly dependent on the length of the spacer chain between the cyclodextrin and the sugar head group. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.