Cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes as a versatile platform for biological and medicinal applications.

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as rotaxanes and catenanes attract significant interest due to their unique structures and dynamic properties. Cyclodextrin-based rotaxanes (CD-rotaxanes) have emerged as promising supramolecular systems for biological and medicinal applications. Their host-guest interactions and mechanical bonds provide enhanced stability, stimuli-responsiveness, and tunable functionality. This review highlights their roles in targeted therapy, controlling drug release, theranostic agents, enzyme inhibitor, gene transport and bioimaging. Challenges and future perspectives in translating CD-rotaxanes to biomedical applications are discussed, emphasizing their potential as a next-generation therapeutic platform.