Amphiphilic cyclodextrins represent a new generation of these oligosaccharides, which are well known previously as host molecules in water. Cyclodextrins are now being modified with polar groups, lipophilic groups and conjugates which elaborate further their amphiphilicity and molecular recognition. The resulting amphiphiles are host molecules capable of forming all the assemblies expected of amphiphiles, but showing additional supramolecular properties. Examples of these macrocyclic amphiphiles are by now known that form thermotropic liquid crystals, while lyotropic assemblies include micelles, unimolecular micelles, nanoparticles, monolayers and bilayer vesicles. The assembly proper-
Cyclodextrin Amphiphiles: A New Generation of CyclodextrinsCyclodextrins (CDs) are macrocyclic oligosaccharides composed of -(+)-glucopyranosyl units linked α(1Ǟ4).[a] Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology of the UCD Con-