Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides. Cyclodextrin molecules can form inclusion complexes with a large number of organic molecules. The properties of cyclodextrins enable them to be used in a variety of different textile applications. Cyclodextrins can act as auxiliaries in washing and dyeing processes, and they can also be fixed onto different fiber surfaces. Because of the complexing abilities of cyclodextrins, textiles with new functional properties can be prepared. Poly(carboxylic acid)s such as 1,2,3,4-bu-tane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) are well-known non-formaldehyde crosslinking reagents. BTCA has four carboxylic acid groups, which can react with hydroxyl groups of cellulose and form stable ester bonds. We crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin molecules on hydroxyl groups of cellulose via BTCA. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.