Macromolecules with cyclodextrin as end group or core

Methods of preparing cyclodextrin ( CD ) -ended linear macromolecules and star-shaped macromolecules with CD-core were summarized. Controlled/" living " radical polymerization and living anionic polymerization were the main approaches for synthesizing these macromolecules. As a type of functional polymer, CD-ended linear macromolecules and star-shaped macromolecules with CD-core combined the characteristics of both CD itself and polymers which bonded to the CD molecule. Functions like molecule inclusion, enhanced biocompatibility and high-efficiency gene delivery could be easily realized by them. At the same time,the location of CD moiety (end of the chain or center of the molecule ) in these macromolecules determined that they could be used to construct functional supermolecules. The supermolecules with CD moiety could obtain some other functions including the abilities of inclusion two types of guest molecule or multi-response to the environment.