Multivalent cyclooligosaccharides: versatile carbohydrate clusters with dual role as molecular receptors and lectin ligands.

Results obtained over the past decade towards the preparation of multitopic carbohydrate architectures combining the molecular inclusion capabilities of cyclomaltooligosaccharide receptors (cyclodextrins, CDs) and the recognition properties of saccharide ligands towards biological receptors are discussed. The potential of these new sugar-based "intelligent" transporters for site specific delivery of therapeutics is outlined.