Cyclodextrin-Based Host–Guest Supramolecular Nanofibrous Composite for Biomedical Applications

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are macrocyclic oligosaccharides, containing between six and eight alpha(1 → 4)-linked glucopyranoses. CDs have a hydrophobic cone-shaped internal cavity and a hydrophilic exterior surface. They form non-covalent inclusion complexes (ICs) with various drugs by trapping the full or partial inclusions in their cavity. Supramolecular ICs have gained attention in engineering entrapped drug performance field due to their potential to protect and modify the physicochemical properties of entrapped lipophilic and volatile drugs. However, the poor structural and mechanical properties of pure CD-ICs could restrict their application and the need for a suitable carrier system. Electrospun nanofibers have been the center of attention for biomedical applications due to their tunable physicochemical properties. Recent studies have highlighted that the entrapment of drug/CD-based ICs into nanofibers is an active research area since it facilitates high encapsulation, it modulates the release profile of the guest, integrates multi-type drugs, and leads to a synergistic effect. This mini-review first summarizes the potential benefits and shortcomings of drug/CD-ICs and nanofibers, and then, we discuss the advancements in the fabrication and characteristics of CD-ICs embedded nanofibers, along with some practical suggestions for potential biomedical applications.