What is Cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins are α-1,4-linked cyclic oligosaccharides produced from starch by the action of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase, a transglycosidase that cleaves an α-1,4-linkage in amylose and forms the cycle (see Chapter 7). The most commonly studied members are α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins, which are comprised of six, seven and eight d-glucose residues, respectively. 

Cyclodextrins are toroidal with a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior. They are able to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules; the odour freshener Febreze (Proctor and Gamble) contains cyclodextrins, which are claimed to entrap odour-producing lipophilic molecules. Cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin derivatives are used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug formulation; Sporanox (Janssen) is an intravenous formulation of the antifungal itraconazole with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for treatment of fungal infections.