Gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD)

Gamma-cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of eight glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, forming a truncated cone-shaped ring with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior cavity[2][3][1]. This unique structure enables it to function as a host molecule for hydrophobic guest compounds (such as drugs or cholesterol), enhancing their solubility and stability. It is not a biological drug target (such as a receptor or enzyme); rather, it is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics as a complexing agent and excipient. The modified form, sugammadex, is used clinically to reverse neuromuscular blockade by encapsulating specific drugs[2]. Gamma-cyclodextrin itself does not possess intrinsic biological signaling functions and is primarily valued for its physical-chemical properties in formulation science[2][1][3][4][5].

Other names

gamma-cyclodextrinγ-cyclodextringamma-dextrincyclooctapentylosecyclooctaamylosecyclomaltooctaosecyclomalto-octaose

Gamma-cyclodextrin functions as a host molecule for inclusion complexes, increasing the solubility of hydrophobic drugs by trapping them within its hydrophobic cavity. Its derivative, sugammadex, specifically reverses neuromuscular blockade by binding and encapsulating steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents.