Complexation of cyclodextrins with flavines in aqueous solutions

Data on the binding mode and thermodynamics of complex formation for various cyclodextrins (CDs) with flavines are summarized. It is shown that the governing factors of complexation are the size, degree of hydration, and hydrophobicity of the guest molecule. It is found that the presence of small hydrophobic substituents in a flavine’s structure increases their affinity toward cyclodextrin cavities, raising the stability of a complex. In contrast, the presence of bulky and polar side groups in a flavine’s structure prevents its inclusion in a macrocyclic cavity and weakens complexation. The size of a CD cavity plays a minor role in the interaction between CDs and flavines, since the inclusion of a guest molecule is only partial.