2.3 Synthesis of beta-CD nanocage
Cystamine dihydrochloride (0.450 g, 2 mmol) and sodium acetate (0.164 g, 2 mmol) were dissolved in a MeOH (4 ml)/H₂O (1 ml) solution. The mixture was stirred at 40 °C for 20 minutes until it became clear and transparent. Next, aldehyde group-functionalized beta-CD (3.459 g, 3 mmol) and MeOH (10 ml) were added to the solution, which was then stirred for 18 hours. The reaction progress was monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The resulting solution was subjected to vacuum filtration and concentrated, yielding a brown oil. This oil was allowed to stand for three days, resulting in the precipitation of yellow acicular crystals (1.56 g, 40%).