gammatsüklodekstriin

Gamma-cyclodextrin, often abbreviated as γ-CD, is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of eight glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. It is one of the three main types of cyclodextrins, alongside alpha-cyclodextrin (six glucose units) and beta-cyclodextrin (seven glucose units). The unique toroidal structure of gamma-cyclodextrin features a hydrophilic outer surface and a hydrophobic inner cavity. This characteristic allows it to form inclusion complexes with a variety of guest molecules, encapsulating them within its cavity.

The formation of these inclusion complexes is driven by hydrophobic interactions, where nonpolar guest molecules are more stable within the nonpolar interior of the cyclodextrin than in an aqueous environment. This property makes gamma-cyclodextrin useful in various applications, including drug delivery, where it can improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. It is also employed in the food industry as a flavor enhancer or stabilizer and in the cosmetic industry to mask odors or improve the delivery of active ingredients.

Gamma-cyclodextrin is produced enzymatically from starch using cyclodextrin glycosyltransferases. Compared to alpha and beta-cyclodextrins, gamma-cyclodextrin possesses a larger cavity, enabling it to complex with larger guest molecules. Its aqueous solubility is also generally higher than that of beta-cyclodextrin. Research continues to explore new applications for gamma-cyclodextrin in fields such as environmental remediation and materials science.