Cyclodextrin

Ring-shaped oligosaccharide consisting of 6-8 glucose units, which is formed in nature during enzymatic degradation by Bacillus macerans.

Molecules can be trapped in the cavity formed by the ring. The size of the cavities varies according to the number (alpha=6, beta=7, gamma=8 glucose molecules). Cyclodextrins are subdivided into alpha-, beta-, gamma-cyclodextrins depending on the size of the cavity enclosed by the molecule.

Medically, cyclodextrins are used to stabilize labile drugs (e.g. prostaglandins).

In food technology, beta-cyclodextrins are approved in the EU as food additives under the number E 459. They are used as fillers, complexing agents, encapsulating agents, e.g. for flavours or as flavour correctives. For example, they attenuate a bitter taste in grapefruit juices or coffee products.