Active transfection of genetic materials using cyclodextrin-anchored nanovectors

Today’s cyclodextrin is some gene delivery again, as it is also a focus project at CarboHyde.

Today’s cyclodextrin is some gene delivery again, as it is also a focus project at CarboHyde.

Gene-based therapy is a sophisticated means for the treatment of various complex diseases like AIDS, cancer, etc., as it resolves the genetic malfunction at the source instead of tackling the superficial symptoms. However, the therapeutic, diagnostic, and theranostic potential of gene-based therapeutic actives such as siRNA, mRNA, pDNA, aptamers, etc. is hindered by physicochemical as well as physiological barriers in the form of insufficient bioavailability, systemic metabolism, rapid renal clearance, inefficient carrier systems, etc.

This review article by Amey Revdekar, Bhagyashree Salvia and Pravin Shende features cyclodextrins and associated successful applications as the integral components of non-viral nanovectors such as cationic polymers, dendrimers and polyrotaxanes as well as supramolecular assemblies for efficient delivery of RNA-, DNA- and aptamer-based genetic payloads for the achievement of desired treatment outcomes.

Active transfection of genetic materials using cyclodextrin-anchored nanovectors – Materials Advances (RSC Publishing)

cyclodextrin

Recent Advances in Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems

Today’s cyclodextrin is about cyclodextrin-based nanoscale drug delivery systems.

Fuat Topuz & Tamer Uyar summarized applications for CD-functional nano delivery systems based on polymeric, hybrid, lipid-based nanoparticles, and CD-based nanofibers.

Particular interest was in the targeted applications and the function of the CD molecules used. In most applications, CD molecules were used for drug solubilization and loading, while in some studies, CD molecules were employed for supramolecular complexation to construct nanoscale drug delivery systems.

Recent Advances in Cyclodextrin‐Based Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems – Topuz – 2024 – WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology – Wiley Online Library

Cyclodextrin in electroanalytical application

I am happy to share these two articles, in which Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van Staden and her team use CarboHyde-made CDs for electroanalytical applications.

Humic Acid Analysis in Mud and Water Samples:
Fast Analysis of Humic Acid in Mud and Water Samples – IOPscience

Electroanalysis of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester in the Liver and Meat of Stingray:
Fast On-Site Electroanalysis of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester in the Liver and Meat of Stingray Using a Stochastic Miniplatform Based on a 3D Stochastic Microsensor – IOPscience

Long-term collaboration with Semmelweis University

Today’s cyclodextrin

I just signed the contract sealing a long-term collaboration between Semmelweis University – a leading medical education institution in Hungary and the Central European region – and CarboHyde.

We will work closely in the coming 2 years with Ákos Lőrincz and Mátka Nagy ,exploring how cyclodextrins could be combined with extracellular vesicles for practical applications.

Capturing CO2 with (or without) CDs

today’s cyclodextrin: Capturing CO2 with (or without) CDs

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a material named COF-999, a fluffy yellow powder capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere with remarkable efficiency. Just under half a pound (approximately 200 grams) of COF-999 can absorb about 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of CO₂ annually, matching the carbon sequestration capacity of a mature tree over the same period.

COF-999 is a covalent organic framework (COF) characterized by its porous structure, which provides a large surface area for gas adsorption. The internal surfaces of this material are lined with amines—compounds that effectively bind to CO₂ molecules. When air passes through COF-999, the amines capture CO₂, and the gas can later be released by heating the material to about 140°F (60°C), allowing for repeated use. Notably, COF-999 has demonstrated stability over at least 100 adsorption-desorption cycles without degradation.

This innovation holds significant promise for direct air capture (DAC) technologies, which aim to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels to mitigate climate change. The efficiency and durability of COF-999 could enhance the viability of DAC systems, potentially accelerating efforts to lower greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

But did you know that cyclodextrins can be used for carbon-dioxide capturing too?
Cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides, are studied as potential CO2 capture agents due to their unique molecular structures and high selectivity towards CO2 – a paper from Mikael Bols

CO2 complexation with cyclodextrins – PMC

The first event of CarboHyde Cyclodextrin Masterclass I is open for registration!

Our webinar, titled “Cyclodextrins in small molecule drug delivery – current trends and future directions” is the first episode in a series of webinars (CarboHyde’s Cyclodextrin Masterclass) that aims to provide educative content to cyclodextrin users and researcher on various applications.

Event Overview: Join us for an illuminating webinar that traces the evolution of cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems—from current mainstream applications towards future trends. Our esteemed speaker will explore key aspects of this journey, highlighting breakthroughs, challenges, and the promise of cyclodextrins in improving therapeutic outcomes.

Use of cyclodextrins as a radiostabilizer

Today’s cyclodextrin is a Freshly Approved HPBCD-Enabled Radioactive Drug Formulation.

GE HealthCare announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of Flyrcado™ (flurpiridaz F 18) injection, a first of its kind positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI) agent, for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD).

FLYRCADO is a sterile, preservative-free, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless to yellow radioactive solution. Each mL contains 190 MBq to 2,050 MBq (5 mCi to 55 mCi) of flurpiridaz F 18 at end of synthesis, up to 2.3 mcg flurpiridaz, and the following inactive ingredients: 45 mg hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (as a solubilizer and co-radiostabilizer), 35 mg L-(+)-ascorbic acid (as a radiostabilizer), 8.2 mg sodium hydroxide, and 55.2 mg anhydrous ethanol, in water for injection. The pH of the solution is between 5.5 and 8.

Deeper insight into the surprising radiostabilizer function is found in the corresponding patent application (WO2021078814A1 – Use of cyclodextrins as a radiostabilizer – Google Patents), however, the mechanism is undisclosed. My guess is that HPBCD prevents the loss of activity by hindering the adsorption of the radiolabeled drug onto the container wall.

EuroCD 2025 – 8th European Cyclodextrin Conference

The 8th European Cyclodextrin Conference will be held on 9-12 September 2025 in Milan, Italy organized by the University of Milan (Politechnico di Milano) and the Italian Society of Cyclodextrin Chemistry and Technology.

Abstract submission is open till 1 April 2025 on the website: https://indico.chem.polimi.it/event/98/page/44-call-for-abstracts-topics

Save the date

Registration and Abstract submission opening: 28 October 2024

Abstract submission deadline: 1 April 2025

Latest Abstract acceptance notification: 30 April 2025

Deadline for Early Bird registration: 15 May 2025

Deadline for late registration: 31 August 2025

Conference Topics

  • Functional Materials and Polymers
  • Encapsulations & Release phenomena
  • Physical Chemistry and Simulations
  • Devices and Sensors
  • Pharma, Nutraceutics and Beauty
  • CD and Sustainable Chemistry
  • Chiral Recognition
  • CD between Academia and Industry
  • CD and Catalysis

If you like these brief communications, Subscribe to join 4300 cyclodextrin enthusiasts, and gain and share knowledge on current and novel applications, challenges, and possibilities.

The 8th European Cyclodextrin Conference marks the first edition of the award. This award aims to recognize an emerging talent in cyclodextrin chemistry, with particular attention to the originality of research, interdisciplinary content, and potential societal impact. The award will be presented in person by Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson during the conference’s closing ceremony. The winner will deliver a brief oral acknowledgment, highlighting the potential future developments of their research.

Nominations will be accepted only via the form available for download on the homepage and require payment of the registration fee. Self-nominations will not be considered.

https://indico.chem.polimi.it/event/98/page/41-thorsteinn-loftsson-award