Green cyclodextrins-derivatives for sustainable remediation of pesticides and heavy metals: A review

• Innovative remediation agents. • Eco-Friendly synthesis methods. • Unique molecular structure for pollutants capture. • Enhanced functionalization for specific contaminants. • Addressing key remediation challenges. Green cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives are emerging as promising agents for innovative environmental remediation strategies, particularly in extracting pesticides and heavy metals. CDs belong to a family of oligosaccharides, which exhibit unique molecular structures with hydrophobic inner cavities and hydrophilic exterior surfaces, enabling them to facilitate the effective adsorption and breakdown of various pollutants. Developing green CD derivatives from renewable, non-toxic, and biodegradable sources not only addresses the limitations of conventional methods but aligns with global sustainable goals. CDs form inclusion complexes with various pesticides, enhancing their solubility and reducing bioavailability in soil and water environments. Modified CDs, particularly those functionalized with chelating groups, have shown promise in adsorbing and immobilizing toxic metal ions, thereby preventing their leaching into the ground. This review discusses synthesis methods of functionalizing cyclodextrins and their real-world application for the remediation of pesticides and heavy metals. The application of green CD derivatives in real-world scenarios faces challenges, including scalability, cost-effectiveness, and further research into long-term environmental impacts. Future studies should focus on optimizing the design of CD derivatives for targeted pollutant removal and evaluating their performance in diverse environmental settings. Overall, CD derivatives represent a versatile and sustainable approach for the remediation of pesticides and heavy metals, with significant potential to mitigate the growing problem of environmental contamination. This review underscores the importance of continued innovation in green chemistry to develop efficient, scalable, and eco-friendly solutions for global environmental challenges.