A molecule used to solublize non-polar molecules such a cholesterol for use in cell culture.
General description
Cyclodextrins belongs to the family of cyclic ?-1,4-glucans and is made of glucose units. This molecule has a shape of a hollow cone. It possesses a hydrophilic external and hydrophobic internal surface, because of which cyclodextrins can form inclusion complexes. ?-Cyclodextrin is extensively used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Cyclodextrins are obtained by the enzymatic conversion of starch/starch derivatives by cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase.