β-Cyclodextrin

β-Cyclodextrin

β-Cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of seven α-(1→4)-linked D-glucopyranose units. It is widely used for its ability to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules, enhancing solubility, stability, and bioavailability.

Chemical Properties

• Molecular Formula: C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅
• Molecular Weight: 1,134.98 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 1,578.5 °C at 760 mmHg
• Melting Point: 290–300 °C
• Flash Point: 885.9 ± 32.9 °C
• Density: 1.2296 g/cm³
• Optical Rotation: +159° – +165° (c=1.5, H₂O)
• Refractivity: Estimated at 1.7500
• Appearance: Typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder.

Storage Conditions

• Store in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 2–8 °C for long-term stability.

Structure and Functionality

β-Cyclodextrin features a hydrophobic central cavity and a hydrophilic exterior, enabling it to encapsulate hydrophobic guest molecules. This property underpins its applications in:

• Drug Delivery: Enhances solubility and stability of poorly water-soluble drugs (e.g., itraconazole) via inclusion complexes.
• Controlled Release: Allows sustained release of encapsulated compounds under specific conditions (e.g., pH or enzymatic activity).

Applications

1. Pharmaceuticals:
   • Improves drug bioavailability and masks unpleasant tastes or odors.
   • Facilitates controlled drug release in therapeutic applications.
2. Food Industry:
   • Reduces cholesterol levels in dairy products.
   • Sequesters allergens and mitigates mycotoxin presence (e.g., patulin in apple juice).
   • Enhances color intensity and light stability of carotenoid food colorants.
3. Environmental Chemistry:
   • Removes pollutants through β-CD-functionalized nanoparticles.
   • Used in histotripsy-based cancer treatment via acoustically active nanoparticles.
4. Textiles:
   • Functionalizes fabrics for odor control and fragrance delivery.
   • Enhances dye retention and provides flame retardancy.

Safety and Regulatory Status

• Recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA.
• Biodegradable and biocompatible with low toxicity profiles

Conclusion

β-Cyclodextrin is an essential compound with diverse applications across pharmaceuticals, food science, textiles, and environmental remediation. Its unique structural properties enable innovative solutions that enhance efficacy and safety in various fields.

Citations:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11050477/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclodextrin
3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.8b02534
4. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Betadex
5. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4176/3/1/1
6. https://www.thermofisher.in/chemicals/shop/products/cyclodextrin-98-thermo-scientific/406005000
7. https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjoc/articles/11/251
8. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/scientific-guideline/questions-and-answers-cyclodextrins-used-excipients-medicinal-products-human-use_en.pdf