CYCLODEXTRIN Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclodextrin is a type of cyclic oligosaccharide, which is a family of compounds consisting of several glucose molecules linked together in a ring formation. It is characterized by a unique molecular structure where the glucose units are arranged in a hollow cylindrical shape, resembling a hollow torus or donut-like structure. Cyclodextrins are typically formed by enzymatic modification of starch.
Cyclodextrins have gained significant recognition for their ability to form inclusion complexes with various guest molecules. Due to their unique structure, cyclodextrins can encapsulate guest molecules within their central cavity, forming stable complexes known as inclusion complexes. This property makes cyclodextrins highly versatile in a wide range of applications, including pharmaceuticals, food science, chemical processes, and analytical chemistry.
The size of the cyclodextrin cavity can vary, depending on the number of glucose units in the ring. Commonly encountered cyclodextrins include alpha-cyclodextrin (with six glucose units), beta-cyclodextrin (with seven glucose units), and gamma-cyclodextrin (with eight glucose units). These different derivatives exhibit different sizes and cavity volumes, allowing them to accommodate guest molecules of varying sizes and shapes.
Cyclodextrins are known for their ability to enhance the stability, solubility, bioavailability, and release properties of guest molecules. They can also mask unpleasant tastes and odors, improve chemical stability, and protect sensitive compounds from degradation. Their use as drug carriers has gained considerable attention in the pharmaceutical industry, offering potential benefits for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs. With their versatile properties, cyclodextrins continue to be extensively studied and explored in various scientific and industrial fields.
Etymology of CYCLODEXTRIN
The word "cyclodextrin" comes from the combination of two roots: "cyclo" and "dextrin".
The prefix "cyclo-" is derived from the Greek word "kyklos", which means "circle" or "ring". It is commonly used in chemistry to indicate the presence of a cyclic or ring-shaped structure.
"Dextrin", on the other hand, refers to a type of carbohydrate or starch derivative. It comes from the Latin word "dexter", which means "right" or "skilled". Initially, dextrin referred to a substance obtained by heating starch with a mineral acid, resulting in the breakdown of starch into smaller molecules.
Therefore, "cyclodextrin" combines the idea of a cyclic or ring-shaped structure (cyclo-) with the concept of a carbohydrate derivative (dextrin).
