This review aims to give to the reader some new light on cyclodextrin (CD)-based theranostic agents in order to complete our recently published review dedicated to CD-particles conjugates in drug delivery systems (Zafar et al., 2014). CDs are biocompatible sugar-based macrocycles used in a wide range of biomedical applications. Here, we mainly focus on fundamental theranostic approaches combining the use of cyclodextrin molecules and colloidal particles as theranostic agents. The system's key features are discussed and a few recent pertinent applications are presented. CDs are used in order to enhance theranostic properties by providing apolar cavities for the encapsulation of hydrophobic moieties. Thus, CD molecules are used to enhance the loading capacity of particles by hosting active molecules. The relevance of CDs in enhancing the labeling properties of particles and the preparation of controlled drug release particles is also highlighted.
Keywords: Cyclodextrins; Encapsulation efficiency; Pore control motifs; Release rate; Theranostics.
Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.