α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD) is a saccharide comprised of six glucose subunits linked by α-1,4 bonds, which results in a cone-shaped molecule.1It contains a hydrophobic interior and hydrophilic exterior, which allow it to form inclusion complexes with wide variety of molecules, conferring enhanced solubility and stabilization to the molecules. α-CD has commonly been used in the separation and purification of chemicals on an industrial scale.1,2Formulations containing α-CD have been used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the physical and chemical properties of compounds, the food industry as flavor carriers and stabilizers in processed and ultra-processed foods and certain beverages, as well as in other industrial applications.
1.Li, S., and Purdy, W.C.Cyclodextrins and their applications in analytical chemistryChem. Rev.92(6)1457-1470(1992) 2.Astray, G., Gonazalez-Barreiro, C., Mejuto, J.C., et al.A review on the use of cyclodextrins in foodsFood Hydrocolloids23(7)1631-1640(2009)