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Breaking the durability–degradability trade-off in polymers

Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a molecular design strategy to reconcile the trade-off between polymer material's durability and degradability. They created a tough material whose enzymatic degradation can be switched on or off using light, allowing for precise programming of its lifetime.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026
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A novel heme-model compound that treats lethal gas poisoning

Researchers at Doshisha University have developed a synthetic, nontoxic antidote for hydrogen sulfide poisoning. The new compound, met-hemoCD-I, converts toxic hydrogen sulfide into harmless sulfite and sulfate ions.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Advanced biodegradable plastics run rings around their predecessors

Researchers from Osaka University have developed tough biodegradable plastics with movable cyclodextrin crosslinks, which improve both durability and degradation capabilities. The new polymers can be broken down by enzymes into useful precursor molecules, reducing waste generation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Mirror-image chemicals may revolutionize drug delivery

Scientists have created mirror-image cyclodextrins in the laboratory, which could make it easier to formulate and deliver complex medications. These discoveries may also lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerotic plaques.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

The clean power of starch

Scientists at DGIST developed a triboelectric nanogenerator using cyclodextrin, a green material from starch, to convert mechanical energy into electricity. The device can be reused and is biocompatible, making it suitable for wearable applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 21, 2021
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New nanoparticle drug combination for atherosclerosis

Researchers at KAIST designed nanoparticles that significantly reduce cholesterol and macrophage foam cells in arteries, two key triggers of atherosclerotic plaque. The combination drug delivery therapy showed great potential for treating and preventing atherosclerosis with reduced side effects.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 17, 2020

Better than cyclodextrins

Researchers have developed Pillar[n]MaxQ molecules that bind neuromuscular blocking chemicals with high specificity and strength. These new molecular containers show promise for eliminating toxins and malodorous substances in water, outperforming existing macrocyclic agents.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 17, 2020

One-molecule-thick coating to help improve disease and drug testing

A new breakthrough in sensor technology uses a one-molecule-thick coating to improve detection of diseases and detect doping in sports. The coating, based on beta-cyclodextrin, produces sensors around ten times more sensitive than existing ones, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection at lower concentrations.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 8, 2019

Drug trial shows promise for deadly neurological disorder

A clinical trial shows promise for treating Niemann-Pick type C by slowing disease progression with cyclodextrin. The study found significant improvements in gait, cognition, and speech, with half of patients experiencing no worsening or improvement in neurological severity score.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 2017
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Cyclodextrin dissolves away cholesterol crystals

Researchers found that cyclodextrin reduces atherosclerotic plaques by reprogramming macrophages and dissolving cholesterol crystals. The treatment prevents plaque formation and reduces existing plaques in mice and human carotid arteries, pointing to cholesterol crystals as a target for atherosclerosis treatment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 8, 2016

Ring-shaped sugar helps in cases of atherosclerosis

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that cyclodextrin promotes the breakdown of cholesterol deposits in arteries, reducing inflammation and plaque formation. The ring-shaped sugar increases natural mechanisms for cholesterol breakdown and reduces inflammatory response, offering a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 6, 2016

NIH teams with industry to develop treatments for Niemann-Pick disease type C

Researchers are developing treatments for Niemann-Pick disease type C using cyclodextrin and delta-tocopherol, which have shown promise in studies of patient skin cells and animal models. The goal is to reduce lipid accumulation and improve symptoms in patients with this devastating rare disease.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateJan 7, 2015

Illinois study: Ginseng just got better -- not as bitter

University of Illinois scientists have discovered a method to reduce the bitterness of ginseng in energy drinks by over half using cyclodextrins. This innovation could improve the health benefits of these beverages and expand their market, particularly in the US energy drink industry.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateDec 6, 2010
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