Host − guest cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin-fluorescence sensors: Applications in environmental, pharmaceutical, biomedical research and clinical diagnosis: a review

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are oligosaccharide macromolecules that occur in native and modified forms. CDs’ nontoxicity, ubiquitous availability, relatively low cost, unique conical structural and physical architecture, and chemical characteristics enable CD host-guest inclusion complexations with diverse guest molecules of analytical, environmental, pharmaceutical, medical, and biomedical interest. In recent years, advances in nanotechnology, optical imaging, and microscopy instrumentation have also facilitated robust CD application in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis. This review highlights and discusses the current trend of applications of CD-sensors for the environmental remediation of forever chemicals and emerging pollutants of public health interest with emphasis on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, heavy metals and metal ions, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, estrogens, and phenols. The review also highlights the applications of CD-fluorescence sensors in biomedical research, biological sample analysis, drug administration, drug cellular bioavailability, and molecular recognition. Additionally, the review discusses the applications of CD-based fluorescence imaging and microscopy in in vivo tissue analysis, antimicrobial detection, cancer research, and clinical diagnostics. The challenges associated with CD host–guest systems are examined, and the review outlines future prospects, emerging trajectories, and growth opportunities in CD host–guest chemistry.