Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.122, No.22, 6055-6063, 2018
Autoassemblies of alpha-Cyclodextrin and Grafted Polysaccharides: Crystal Structure and Specific Properties of the Platelets
Cydodextrins (CDs) are a family of oligosaccharides with a toroid shape, which exhibit a remarkable ability to include guest molecules in their internal cavity, providing a hydrophobic environment for poorly soluble molecules. Recently, new types of inclusions of alpha CDs with alkyl grafted polysaccharide chains (pullulan, chitosan, dextran, amylopectin, chondroitin sulfate...) have been prepared which are autoassembled into micro-and nanoplatelets. We report in this paper an extensive investigation of platelets with different compositions, including their reversible hydration (thermogravimetric analysis), crystalline structure (powder X-ray diffraction), dimensions and shapes (scanning electron microscopy-field emission gun), thermal properties, solubility, and melting (micro-differential scanning calorimetry). The crystalline platelets exhibit layered structures intercalating the polysaccharide backbones and CD complexes hosting the grafted alkyl chains. The monoclinic symmetry of columnar-type crystals suggests a head-to-tail arrangement of the CDs. The platelets have a preferentially hexagonal shape with sharp edges, variable sizes, and thicknesses and sometimes show incomplete layers (terraces). The crystal parameters change upon dehydration. Melting temperatures of platelets in aqueous solutions exceed 100 degrees C. Finally, we discuss the potential relation between the platelet structure and applications for mucoadhesive devices.