Cyclodextrins (CyD or CD) are a family of macrocyclic oligosaccharides, physically and chemically stable macromolecules produced by the enzymatic degradation of starch, a type of carbohydrate dextrin composed of naturally occurring cyclic oligosaccharides.

Cyclodextrin is used for targeted drug delivery with nanotechnology.

Cyclodextrin (CD) is a subset of the macrocyclic structural class, which is an important class of small organic agents that are useful functional excipients. They have wide range application possibilities in different fields of sciences such as material preparation, medicine, analytical chemistry, and separation processes. They are used widely in pharmaceutical formulations and drug delivery for increasing the water solubility of low soluble drugs and drug candidates (1).

Cyclodextrins, one of safe excipients, are able to form host-guest complexes with fitted molecules given the unique nature imparted by their structure in result of a number of pharmaceutical applications. On the other hand, targeted or responsive materials are appealing therapeutic platforms for the development of next-generation precision medications. Meanwhile, cyclodextrin-based polymers or assemblies can condense DNA and RNA in result to be used as genetic therapeutic agents (2).

Safety is important criteria for consideration before using cyclodextrins as pharmaceutical excipients. The safety and toxicity of cyclodextrins depend on the route of administration. When administered orally, cyclodextrins are not absorbed from gastrointestinal tract and thus are practically nontoxic. This is due to their bulky and hydrophilic nature (3).

Cyclodextrin, what's new?

Molecular Formula : C₃₆H₆₀O₃₀

Molecular Weight: 972.8 g/mol

CAS: 10016-20-3

NSC 269470

EC Number: 233-007-4

DSSTox Substance ID: DTXSID7030698

MDL number  MFCD00078207

PubChem Substance ID  24892708

NACRES: NA.22

Beilstein/REAXYS Number:  79627

Synonims: 

• α-Cyclodextrin
• Cyclomaltohexaose
• Cyclohexaamylose
• α-Schardinger dextrin

References____________________________________________________________

(1) Abdolmaleki A, Ghasemi F, Ghasemi JB. Computer-aided drug design to explore cyclodextrin therapeutics and biomedical applications. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2017 Feb;89(2):257-268. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.12825.

(2) Zhang D, Lv P, Zhou C, Zhao Y, Liao X, Yang B. Cyclodextrin-based delivery systems for cancer treatment. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2019 Mar;96:872-886. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.11.031.

(3) Gidwani B, Vyas A. A Comprehensive Review on Cyclodextrin-Based Carriers for Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Cytotoxic Anticancer Drugs. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:198268. doi: 10.1155/2015/198268.