Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪklə͡ʊmˌɪlə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
Cycloamylose is a complex sugar molecule with a unique spelling. The word can be broken down into three parts: cyclo, amyl, and ose. The first part, "cyclo," indicates a ring structure in the molecule. The second part, "amyl," refers to the type of sugar molecule present. The final part, "ose," is a suffix used to denote a carbohydrate. The IPA phonetic transcription of cycloamylose would be ['saɪkloʊəˈmaɪloʊs].
Cycloamylose is a polysaccharide molecule composed of a linear chain of glucose units that are connected through α-(1,4) linkages. It is a type of cyclodextrin, which is a family of structurally similar cyclic oligosaccharides. Cycloamylose specifically refers to the cyclic form of amylose, which is a starch-derived polymer of glucose molecules.
The cyclic structure of cycloamylose arises from the intramolecular bonding of the reducing and non-reducing ends of the linear amylose chain, resulting in a toroid or doughnut-shaped molecule. This formation is facilitated through the hydrolysis of the α-(1,4) glucosidic bonds under controlled conditions, such as exposure to enzymes or acids.
Cycloamylose has a unique molecular architecture, characterized by a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior cavity. This property allows it to encapsulate and solubilize various guest molecules, forming inclusion complexes. It demonstrates high stability, resistance to degradation by enzymes, and low water solubility. These characteristics make it valuable in various industrial applications, such as drug delivery systems, food and flavoring additives, and separation techniques.
The size of cycloamylose molecules can vary, with different forms denoted by the number of glucose units included in the ring structure, such as cycloamylose with six glucose units (C6), eight glucose units (C8), or larger. Overall, cycloamylose serves as a versatile and commercially significant molecule with diverse applications in multiple industries.
The word "Cycloamylose" is derived from two components: "Cyclo-" and "-amylose".
1. "Cyclo-" is a prefix borrowed from the Greek language, meaning "cycle" or "ring". It is commonly used to denote something related to a cycle, circular shape, or ring-like structure.
2. "-Amylose" is a suffix derived from the term "amylose", which refers to a type of polysaccharide and a component of starch. It is derived from the French word "amidon" meaning "starch" and the suffix "-ose" indicating a sugar or carbohydrate.
Combining these two components, "Cycloamylose" refers to a cyclic or ring-like structure formed by amylose molecules.
