Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides comprised of glucose units arranged in a closed ring. The three main types – α-cyclodextrin (6 glucose units), β-cyclodextrin (7 units) and γ-cyclodextrin (8 units) – each form a truncated cone (toroid) shape. These molecules have a hydrophilic outer surface (from multiple hydroxyl groups) and a relatively hydrophobic inner cavity, enabling them to encapsulate (“host") hydrophobic guest molecules in water, forming reversible inclusion complexes. By trapping lipophilic guest molecules inside the cavity while remaining water-soluble, cyclodextrins significantly increase the apparent solubility and stability of the encapsulated compounds.

Cyclodextrins are widely employed in many industries due to their inclusion-complex capabilities:

• Pharmaceuticals: Improve drug formulations as water-soluble excipients and delivery agents. For example, β-cyclodextrin (CAS 7585-39-9) is often used as a pharmaceutical excipient to solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs and protect sensitive active ingredients from degradation.

• Food & Nutrition: Stabilize and preserve flavors, aromas, and nutrients in food and beverages. CDs can mask unpleasant tastes or odors, extend shelf life, and act as low-calorie dietary fiber or fat replacers. For instance, β-CD is used to reduce cholesterol in dairy products, while α- and γ-CD serve as fiber ingredients in health foods.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Enhance delivery and stability of active ingredients and fragrances in skincare and beauty products. CDs form inclusion complexes with volatile perfume molecules for controlled release (as used in odor-neutralizing products) and help prevent skin irritation by sequestering reactive or unstable compounds.

• Agriculture: Enable controlled-release formulations of pesticides and fertilizers. Cyclodextrins encapsulate agrochemicals to improve stability, reduce volatilization, and lower environmental runoff. Complexing with CDs can make pesticides more effective and less harmful to non-target organisms.

• Textiles & Detergents: Bind dyes, fragrances, and odor molecules to fabrics and cleaning products. CD-based treatments in laundry detergents and dryer sheets trap and neutralize odor-causing substances. CDs can also be applied to fabrics to slowly release perfumes or antibacterial agents.

• Environmental Remediation: Remove pollutants from water and soil. Cyclodextrin polymers and composites act as adsorbents for organic contaminants (such as dyes, oils, and solvents) and heavy metals, facilitating wastewater treatment and the cleanup of industrial spills.

Global demand is rising for high-purity cyclodextrins and specialized derivatives. Many pharmaceutical and functional-food applications require ultra-pure α-, β-, or γ-CD (often >99% purity). Functionalized CDs like hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and methyl-β-cyclodextrin are increasingly sought for enhanced solubility and performance. Hydroxypropyl-β-CD (HP-β-CD) is especially popular in advanced drug formulations and nutraceuticals, driving robust hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin export from China. Similarly, methylated cyclodextrins (e.g. randomly methylated β-CD) offer improved solubility and unique inclusion properties, finding use as specialty excipients and research reagents. Suppliers who consistently deliver high-grade native CDs and functional derivatives are critical to innovation in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

China has emerged as a global hub for cyclodextrin production and export. Domestic companies now supply the majority of the world’s α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins, as well as many modified grades. Among these, Chemfine International Co., Ltd. (CFI), based in Jiangsu province, is a major Cyclodextrin supplier in China and a β-Cyclodextrin manufacturer. Founded in 2003, Chemfine partners with multiple factories to source high-quality CDs, offering both native cyclodextrins and functionalized derivatives to customers worldwide. Its product line is tailored for pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and industrial clients, ensuring consistent purity and supply. Customers rely on Chemfine’s stable export of high-grade CDs (including CAS 7585-39-9 β-CD for pharmaceutical use) and its one-stop support for cyclodextrin products.

For inquiries about high-purity cyclodextrins and custom formulations, please contact Chemfine International Co., Ltd.:

• Email: info@chemfineinternational.com

• Phone: +86 1253-1222-5715