What is Alpha Cyclodextrin?
Alpha-cyclodextrin is a cyclic hexasaccharide composed of six 1,4-linked d-glucose units, produced from starch via enzymatic conversion. It features a unique molecular structure-a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic cavity-allowing it to encapsulate non-polar compounds. It is widely used as a soluble fiber, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Everything You Need to Know
What is alpha-cyclodextrin used for?
α-Cyclodextrin, a ring structure from 6 glucose units, is a soluble dietary fibre, in the EU a health claim is applicable that alpha-CD reduces the postprandial rise of glucose in the blood after a starchy meal and can act as an emulsifier.
Is cyclodextrin safe for humans?
Concentrations up to 0.1% of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins are considered safe.
Does cyclodextrin raise blood sugar?
Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of alpha-cyclodextrin in a starch-based meal can significantly reduce its postprandial glycemic and insulinemic impact.
What is a natural source of cyclodextrin?
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a type of cyclic oligosaccharide derived from natural sources such as potatoes, corn, maize, and cassava starches.
Main Details:
Cyclodextrins are produced from starch by the action of an enzyme, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CDTGase; ED 2.4.1.19). A chemical synthesis has been reported,1 but it is too tedious for commercial production of cyclodextrins. Alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins contain 6, 7 and 8 (1→4)-linked α-D-glucopyranosyl units, respectively, and are the predominate cyclodextrins formed by the enzyme. Delta- and nu-cyclodextrins, which respectively contain 9 and 12 glucosyl units in the ring, have been isolated in small quantities and characterized,2,3 and evidence has been reported for cyclodextrins containing up to 16 glucosyl units in the ring.4 Because of the predominance of the α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins, they are the cyclodextrins of current commercial interest.
Inclusion Complexes: Due to its hydrophobic cavity, it forms inclusion complexes with small lipophilic molecules, enabling the protection of flavors, stabilization of colors, and solubilization of vitamins.
Health and Nutrition: Often marketed as a soluble dietary fiber, studies indicate 𝛼-CD may help improve blood lipid profiles (reducing LDL cholesterol) and improve insulin resistance.
Industrial Applications: It acts as an emulsifier in food, reducing fat absorption and masking unwanted odors or flavors.
Pharmaceutical Use: Used to improve the bioavailability of drugs by increasing the solubility of hydrophobic active ingredients.
ANALYTICAL RESULTS
| Test Item | Method / Ref. | Specification | Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | In-house ID / label claim | Alpha-cyclodextrin (EC 3.2.1.19) | Conforms | Pass |
| Appearance | Visual | White to off-white powder | White powder | Pass |
| Enzyme Activity | Cyclodextrinase assay / supplier method | NLT 5,000 U/g | 5,200 U/g | Pass |
| Activity Unit Definition | Supplier-defined unit | Report only | U/g reported | Pass |
| pH (1% solution) | pH meter | 4.5 – 7.0 | 5.4 | Pass |
| Loss on Drying | Gravimetric / USP 731 | ≤ 8.0% | 4.3% | Pass |
| Lead (Pb) | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | ≤ 5.0 mg/kg | 0.18 mg/kg | Pass |
| Arsenic (As) | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | ≤ 3.0 mg/kg | 0.09 mg/kg | Pass |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | ≤ 0.5 mg/kg | < 0.05 mg/kg | Pass |
| Mercury (Hg) | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | ≤ 0.5 mg/kg | < 0.01 mg/kg | Pass |
| Total Plate Count | Plate count | ≤ 50,000 CFU/g | 2.0 × 10³ CFU/g | Pass |
| Coliforms | Plate count | ≤ 30 CFU/g | < 10 CFU/g | Pass |
| E. coli | Absence Test | Negative / 25g | Not Detected | Pass |
| Salmonella | Absence Test | Negative / 25g | Not Detected | Pass |
Production Process
