Sensitizing of pyrene fluorescence by β-cyclodextrin-modified TiO2 nanoparticles

► TiO2 nanoparticles can be synthesized in an aqueous cyclodextrin solution. ► The β-cyclodextrin-modified TiO2 nanoparticles are water-dispersible. ► The sensitization of pyrene fluorescence is strengthened more than β-cyclodextrin only. ► It is due to the charge transfer between pyrene and metal oxide nanoparticle.