methyl-β-cyclodextrin

Methyl-β-cyclodextrin is a chemically modified cyclic oligosaccharide derived from β-cyclodextrin by random methylation of its hydroxyl groups. It consists of seven D-(+)-glucopyranose units forming a heptasaccharide ring with randomized hydrogen or methyl groups. This modification increases its water solubility and ability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin is widely used in research as a cholesterol-depleting agent due to its capacity to extract cholesterol from lipid membranes and disrupt lipid rafts. It also serves as a solubilizer for nonpolar substances and is used in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Mechanistically, it acts as a surface-active agent that can significantly reduce clathrin-dependent endocytosis and induce caspase-dependent apoptosis via membrane cholesterol depletion[1][2][3][8]. In preclinical development (not approved for human use), inhaled synthetic forms are being investigated for respiratory diseases such as acute lung injury and cystic fibrosis[5].

Other names

methyl-beta-cyclodextrinrandomly methylated β-cyclodextrinMe-β-CDMBCDbeta-methylcyclodextrin