Applications of Cyclodextrins in Chromatographic Separations and Purification Methods

Cyclodextrins have been utilized as biomimetic models for a wide variety of processes ranging from enzymatic catalysis and membrane transport to protein ac tive-site-substrate binding interactions. As a consequence, numerous articles characterizing cyclodextrins as well as delineating their unique properties pervade the chemical literatur e.22–148 Even though the results of those studies promise great potential in terms of analytical chemistry, especially as they pertain to chromatographic separations, relatively few articles concerning their applications have been published. In view of the present inadequacy, this article is dedicated to the systematic reviewing of the use of cyclodextrins in chromatography and chemical separations. The topics to be covered include the use of cyclodextrins as selective isomeric precipitating agents, their use and role in chromatographic stationary or mobile phases, and their ability to enhance chromatographic detections. As a prerequisite to this discussion, a description of the structure of cyclodextrins, their properties, and their selective substrate binding ability will be presented. This background information is vital if one is to rationalize and to understand the role of cyclodextrins in these chromatographic applications. The goal is to give a broad, general picture of the different possible uses of cyclodextrins in the field of separation science and to stimulate further work in this area.