Promoting neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells using β-cyclodextrin sulfonate

A heparin-mimicking biomolecule, β-cyclodextrin decorated with sulfonate groups (CD-S), was synthesized. CD-S itself exhibited bioactivity similar to that of heparin and can further serve as a carrier for all-trans retinoic acid by forming inclusion complexes that promote neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells more effectively than heparin.