A series of beta-cyclodextrin-based epoxy resins were synthesized with different epoxy equivalent weights. Their chemical structures were characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) examination. These epoxy resins were cured using L-arginine as a curing agent, and the degradation behavior of the cured resins was evaluated under different acidic buffer solutions at 37 degrees C. The degradable behavior of such epoxy resins suggested potential applications as environment friendly materials. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1675-1683, 2012