An overview on the role of cyclodextrins in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by chemical reduction

The association between cyclodextrins (CDs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been successfully exploited in a large number of applications. Generally, CDs act as stabilizers, however, their reactivity as reducing agents can be directly involved in the synthesis of AgNPs. Herein, the most recent results regarding AgNPs prepared by chemical reduction from native α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins are reported. The behavior of CDs in host-guest inclusion complexes onto the metal surface, and the effects on the AgNPs properties have also been examined. Unlike β-CD/AgNPs and γ-CD/AgNPs, additional reducing agents were required for the investigated α-CD/AgNPs.