Cyclodextrin (CD)

Cyclodextrin refers to a group of cyclic oligosaccharides composed of 6 (α-cyclodextrin), 7 (β-cyclodextrin), or 8 (γ-cyclodextrin) D-glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, forming a truncated cone shape. The exterior is hydrophilic due to hydroxyl groups, while the interior is hydrophobic, allowing cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules in aqueous solutions. Cyclodextrins are not biological receptors or enzymes, but are highly valued in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries for their ability to improve the solubility, stability, and delivery of otherwise poorly soluble molecules. Various derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) are used to modulate solubility and inclusion properties further. Cyclodextrins are considered nontoxic at pharmaceutical doses but may cause renal or auditory toxicity at high doses, especially with β-cyclodextrin.

Other names

Alpha-cyclodextrinBeta-cyclodextrinGamma-cyclodextrinCyclohexaamyloseCycloheptaamyloseCyclomaltohexaoseCyclomaltoheptaoseBetadex

Enhance solubility and stability of guest molecules via inclusion complex formation within the hydrophobic central cavity; act as molecular carriers