Cross-linking of γ-Cyclodextrin Using Non-toxic Polyethylene Glycol Spacer Units

摘要

The crystalline cyclic oligosaccharide γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) is a natural, non-toxic and biodegradable precursor that can be used to prepare innovative polymers. We cross-linked γCD with variable quantities of non-toxic polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) in aqueous NaOH to form 3D structures with tunable physicochemical properties. Mixtures with a 5:1 PEGDGE:γCD molar ratio produced a cross-linked material that was soluble in water and organic solvents, underwent glass transition at -23°C. The properties of this material were further modified by additional curing with PEGDGE or nitration reaction.