Current trends in molecular modeling methods applied to the study of cyclodextrin complexes

Abstract

In this review the authors present an overview of different molecular modeling campaigns dealing with the study and characterization of cyclodextrins (CDs) inclusion complexes with applicability to diverse biomedical and technological domains. The aim of this review is to present in a concise manner the new tendencies towards CDs molecular modeling studies in the context of a scientific computing era characterized by detailed and exhaustively validated molecular modeling protocols combined with and enormous and continuously growing computing power. Therefore, the present review covers research efforts reported in the last 5 years, including the simulation of native and modified CDs in a new and more detailed manner than what was possible in the past as well as their inclusion complexes with bioactive molecules studied by detailed protocols and exhaustive free-energy of binding calculations. Also, particular emphasis is devoted to the molecular modeling simulation of CDs included as part of drug delivery matrixes and intelligent nanodevices such as CD-based molecular motors.