Colloidal systems made of biotransesterified α, β and γ cyclodextrins grafted with C10 alkyl chains

Alpha (alpha), beta (beta) and gamma (gamma) fatty ester cyclodextrins with C10 alkyl chains (CD-C10) on the secondary face were synthesized using an enzymatic pathway involving thermolysin as a biocatalyser. Depending on the formulation, these new cyclodextrin derivatives self-assembled and formed nanostructures presenting the ability to entrap diazepam, a lipophilic model drug. The loaded nanoparticles were tested for in vitro release of the drug molecule. Biphasic release profiles were observed with a pronounced delayed release in the case of gamma CD-C10 nanciparticles, associated to a low initial burst effect. These results are encouraging and may constitute the basis for designing novel multifunctional nanoscale systems made up with versatile cyclodextrin derivatives. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.