gammacyklodextrin

gamma-Cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of eight glucose units linked by alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Like other cyclodextrins, gamma-cyclodextrin has a toroidal or cone shape with a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic exterior. This unique structure allows it to form inclusion complexes with a variety of guest molecules, encapsulating them within its cavity. The size of the cavity in gamma-cyclodextrin is larger than that of alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins, enabling it to complex with larger guest molecules.

The primary applications of gamma-cyclodextrin stem from its ability to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry to enhance the delivery of drugs, masking unpleasant tastes, and controlling their release. In the food industry, it can be employed to stabilize flavors and aromas, prevent oxidation, and mask off-flavors. It also finds use in cosmetics for similar stabilization and delivery purposes. Research continues to explore its potential in areas such as environmental remediation and as a component in novel materials. Gamma-cyclodextrin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and has a low toxicity profile.