Self-Assembled Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on α-Cyclodextrin/Poloxamer Polypseudorotaxanes for Ocular Delivery of Ciprofloxacin

Cyclodextrin-Hydrogel Hybrids in Advanced Drug Delivery

Cyclodextrin (CD)-hydrogel hybrids have emerged as versatile and multifunctional drug delivery systems, offering enhanced solubility, controlled drug release, and improved bioavailability. By combining the inclusion complexation properties of CDs with the swelling and retention capabilities of hydrogels, these hybrid systems overcome key challenges in conventional drug formulations. This review explores CD composition, hydrogel polymer selection, fabrication techniques, key drug release factors, and real-world therapeutic applications. Additionally, the latest advancements in stimuli-responsive hydrogels, nanogels, and microneedle-based drug delivery are discussed. While CD-hydrogel systems demonstrate significant potential, scalability, regulatory hurdles, and clinical translation remain key challenges. Future research should focus on smart hydrogels, improved drug loading strategies, and enhanced clinical validation to bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and commercial applications.

Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes with Antibiotics and Antibacterial Agents as Drug-Delivery Systems—A Pharmaceutical Perspective

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides, consisting of a macrocyclic ring of glucose subunits linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. The shape of CD molecules is similar to a truncated cone with a hydrophobic inner cavity and a hydrophilic surface, which allows the formation of inclusion complexes with various molecules. This review article summarises over 200 reports published by the end of 2021 that discuss the complexation of CDs with antibiotics and antibacterial agents, including beta-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, macrolides, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, polypeptides, nitroimidazoles, and oxazolidinones. The review focuses on drug-delivery applications such as improving solubility, modifying the drug-release profile, slowing down the degradation of the drug, improving biological membrane permeability, and enhancing antimicrobial activity. In addition to simple drug/CD combinations, ternary systems with additional auxiliary substances have been described, as well as more sophisticated drug-delivery systems including nanosponges, nanofibres, nanoparticles, microparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, and macromolecules. Depending on the desired properties of the drug product, an accelerated or prolonged dissolution profile can be achieved when combining CD with antibiotics or antimicrobial agents.