Cyclodextrin

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Definition
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Ring-shaped oligosaccharide consisting of 6-8 glucose units, which is formed in nature during enzymatic degradation by Bacillus macerans.

Ingredients
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Molecules can be trapped in the cavity formed by the ring. The size of the cavities varies according to the number (alpha=6, beta=7, gamma=8 glucose molecules). Cyclodextrins are subdivided into alpha-, beta-, gamma-cyclodextrins depending on the size of the cavity enclosed by the molecule.

Field of application/use
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Medically, cyclodextrins are used to stabilize labile drugs (e.g. prostaglandins).

In food technology, beta-cyclodextrins are approved in the EU as food additives under the number E 459. They are used as fillers, complexing agents, encapsulating agents, e.g. for flavours or as flavour correctives. For example, they attenuate a bitter taste in grapefruit juices or coffee products.

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Food additives (overview);

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020