Polymers with covalently bonded cyclodextrins

Recently several reports of covalently bonding CDs to pre-synthesized polymers and the synthesis of polymers incorporating CDs have been published. The reactive Cl atom on monochlorotriazinyl-P-CD (CDMCT) can react with nucleophilic groups, such as the -OH groups on cellulose to permit grafting of CDMCT on cotton. When cotton fabric grafted with CDMCT was immersed in solutions containing insecticides or insect repellents. 

When placed in a dye bath containing Acid Blue 29, the MBCD-nylon-6,10 fibers were observed to dye faster and absorb more dye than pure nylon-6,10 fibers. Apparently a portion of Acid Blue 29 dye enters the MBCD cavity and forms an Acid Blue 29-MBCD inclusion complex. 

By way of the many examples discussed above, it should be clear that solid polymers may be effectively nanostructured by processing with CDs. Polymer solutions and gels may also be modified/controlled with CDs, and various functionalities may be delivered to them in the form of additive-CD-ICs. Finally, CDs may be covalently incorporated into polymers to provide them with permanent capabilities to bind and/or release a host of active agents. 

Tonelli, A. E., Recent Research Developments in Macromolecular Research, S. G. Pandalai, Ed., Research Signpost, Trivandrum, India, 1997, Vol. 2, p. 175. 

Tonelli, A. E., ACS Symposium Series 728, Intelligent Materials for Controlled Release Technologies, S. M. Dinh, J. D. DeNuzzio and A. R. Comfort, Eds., ACS, Washington, DC, 1999, Chapter 10. 

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A wide area of supramolecular chemistry focuses on host-guest interactions between two or more molecules that are not covalently bonded (1). A special part of this chemistry deals with cyclodextrins and their derivatives (2). It is well known that cyclodextrins tend to include several types of hydrophobic guest molecules into their cavity. Accordingly, a large number of applications have been found in many areas, eg, in food chemistry as well as in the pharmaceutical (3) and cosmetic industries. Furthermore, cyclodextrins may be used in organic chemistry and also in polymer chemistry. 

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