| Abstract | Cyclodextrins, macrocyclic carbohydrates with apolar internal cavities, can form complexes with, and solubilize many normally water-insoluble compounds. Ferrocene and its derivaties, tetrathiafulvalene and tetramethylbenzidine, can function as redox mediators, but are insoluble in water; when they are complexed with cyclodextrins, they can be used in enzymatic assays and in the construction of mediated biosensors. In addition, the solubilization of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including the potent carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene, by cyclodextrins has enabled the detection of these important environmental contaminants. |
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