Beta Cyclodextrin (Cyclodextrin)
Food
Code: 8963
Beta Cyclodextrin For use in encapsulating ingredients
What β-Cyclodextrin is
β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) is a ring of seven α-1,4-linked glucose units.
- Outside of the ring is hydrophilic, while the interior cavity is hydrophobic, so it can “host” small, fat-soluble molecules and form inclusion complexes that are water-dispersible. This simple supramolecular trick underpins almost every food-tech use of β-CD.
Core functions in food systems
| Function | How the cavity helps | Typical practical examples* |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour & odour management | Entraps small volatiles or “smelly” aldehydes, thiols, amines | – Suppresses fishy, beany or oxidation off-flavours in protein drinks and canned fish ScienceDirect |
| Bitterness masking | Keeps bitter molecules away from taste receptors | – Debittering of stevia, caffeine beverages, bitter-gourd juice, TCM decoctions PMC |
| Nutrient & pigment stabilisation | Shields sensitive molecules from O₂, light, heat | – Encapsulating vitamin A palmitate, carotenoids, essential oils, curcumin PubMed | MDPI |
| Cholesterol removal (processing aid) | Selectively complexes sterols which then precipitate | – 60–98% cholesterol reduction in milk, cream, egg yolk; complex is spun off before packaging PubMed | MDPI |
| Solubility / dispersibility enhancer | Makes oil-soluble ingredients dispersible in water | – Fortifying clear drinks with fat-soluble vitamins; dispersing rosemary or citrus oils in RTD teas |
| Controlled release | Complex slowly dissociates during storage or mastication | – Gradual flavour release in chewing gum; shelf-life extension of aromas in instant coffee |
| Texturising / dietary-fibre source | ~1 kcal/g, highly soluble fibre; some water binding | – Sugar-reduced baked goods, fibre-enrichment of gummies |
| Active packaging & absorbents | CD-based MOFs or cross-linked beads scavenge VOCs | – Odour-absorbing pads for fresh meat, antioxidant sachets in snack packs ResearchGate |
*Not every country permits every application; always check local regulations.
Regulatory snapshot (July 2025)
| Region | Legal status | Key limits / comments |
|---|---|---|
| USA | GRAS notice GRN 74 (2001); permitted for “use as formulation or processing aid” FDA HFP App External | No numerical ADI, but industry follows 5 mg/kg bw/day JECFA value for finished foods |
| EU | Authorised additive E 459 | ADI 0–5 mg/kg bw/day; not allowed in foods for infants <16 weeks EFSA |
| Codex / JECFA | ADI 0–5 mg/kg bw/day Wiley Online Library | |
| Typical use-level | ≤0.1% in finished product when left in food; up to 1–2% when used as a processing aid and removed |
Safety and metabolism
- Digestion – Salivary and pancreatic α-amylase cleave β-CD to glucose; negligible intact absorption.
- Toxicology – Extensive rodent data show no genotoxicity or carcinogenicity; highest NOAEL ≈ 654 mg/kg bw/day (rat). EFSA and JECFA both consider 5 mg/kg bw/day safe. EFSA | ScienceDirect
- GI tolerance – At intakes above ~12 g/day transient bloating or laxation may occur.
- Infants – Restricted because starch-digesting enzymes are immature in <16-week-olds.
Formulation & processing tips
| Step | Practical pointers |
|---|---|
| Complex formation | Dissolve β-CD in 1:1–1:5 water:ethanol; add guest at 40 °C with stirring; dry by spray- or freeze-drying. |
| Cholesterol-free dairy | Stir 0.6–1% w/w β-CD into 4 °C milk for 15–30 min, hold static 20 min; centrifuge to remove β-CD–cholesterol precipitate; verify residual β-CD <0.35%. PubMed |
| Bitterness masking in beverages | 0.1–0.3% β-CD is usually enough; maintain pH <6 for maximum complex stability. |
| Heat processing | Complexes stable up to 120 °C; add after pasteurisation if possible to avoid hydrolysis. |
- Room (25-40C)
- 24 Months from manufacturing or testing date.
- Add at last step. Avoid temperature above 40C.
- Avoid heat above 80C
- 0.00 - 0.00
- Soluble in Water, Dispersible in water, Dispersible in cream or gel base
- -
| Test Name | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Visible UV Spectrum | Absorbance 230-350nm = 0-0.100 , 350-750nm = 0-0.050 |
| Assay | 98.0-101.0% |
| Specific Rotation | +160 - +164 Degree |
| pH | 5.0-8.0 |
| Residue Solvents | Meet standard |
| Loss on drying | 14% Max |
| As | 2ppm Max |
| Reducing Substances | 1.0% Max |
| Heavy Metals | 5ppm Max |
| Residue on Ignition | 0.1% Max |
| Total Aerobic Count | 1000CFU/g Max |
| Total Fungi | 100CFU/g Max |
| E.Coli and Salmonella | Negative |
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