Beta-Cyclodextrin is a cyclic heptamer composed of seven glucose units joined "head-to-tail" by alpha-1.4 links. It is produced by the action of the enzyme, cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase (CGT),on hydrolyzed starch syrups. And it is white powder and there is a cavity in its molecule which can form inclusion compounds with a range of molecules. The solubility degree of Beta-cyclodextrin in water is 1.85 g/100ml @ 25°C, melting point is about 260℃, internal diameter is 0.7-0.8nm.
Beta cyclodextrin is widely used in the separation of organic compounds and for organic synthesis, as well as medical excipients and food additives. The inclusion of natural cyclodextrin and modified cyclodextrin and some drug molecules that are not biocompatible are now prepared. It not only increases the biocompatibility of the drug, but also plays the role of sustained release.