Advances in β-Cyclodextrin-Driven Self-Healing Materials: Molecular Design and Multifunctional Applications.

Supramolecular self-healing (SH) materials have gained considerable attention for their ability to autonomously repair damage, thereby improving the longevity and performance of various systems. This review focuses on the design and development of SH materials mediated by host-guest (HG) interactions, with particular emphasis on cyclodextrins (CDs). Owing to their biocompatibility and excellent inclusion complexation capabilities, CDs-especially β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-play a key role in constructing HG-based SH systems. Recent progress in βCD-based SH hydrogels for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering is discussed. In addition to healthcare, their application in smart coatings-including anti-fogging, fresh-keeping, and anti-corrosion layers-is reviewed. These materials are also integrated into sensors, demonstrating adaptability for real-time environmental and physiological monitoring. Emerging strategies involving 3D printing and shape memory functionalities further broaden their design potential. Despite these advances, challenges remain-particularly in scalability, environmental sensitivity, and achieving a balance between mechanical strength and healing efficiency. This review critically examines these limitations and highlights future directions, emphasizing the need for innovative fabrication approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration. By leveraging the unique properties of supramolecular interactions, βCD-based SH materials offer promising solutions for a wide range of biomedical, industrial, and environmental applications.