(2-Hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin

Average degree of substitution is 0.5-1.3 unit of 2-hydroxypropyl (C3H7O) per glucose unit

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of 6, 7, or 8 glucopyranose units, usually referred to as α-, β-, or γ-cyclodextrins, respectively. These compounds have rigid doughnut-shaped structures making them natural complexing agents. The unique structures of these compounds owe their stability to intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the C2- and C3-hydroxyl groups of neighboring glucopyranose units. The molecule takes on the shape of a torus with the C2- and C3-hydroxyls located around the larger opening and the more reactive C6-hydroxyl aligned around the smaller opening. The arrangement of C6-hydroxyls opposite the hydrogen bonded C2- and C3-hydroxyls forces the oxygen bonds into close proximity within the cavity, leading to an electron rich, hydrophobic interior. The size of this hydrophobic cavity is a function of the number of glucopyranose units forming the cyclodextrin.

The solubility of natural cyclodextrins is very poor. In the late 1960′s, it was discovered that chemical substitutions at the 2, 3, and 6 hydroxyl sites would greatly increase solubility. Most chemically modified cyclodextrins are able to achieve a 50% (w/v) concentration in water.

Cavity size is the major determinant as to which cyclodextrin is used in complexation. The cavity diameter of β-cyclodextrins or β-glucopyranose unit compounds is well-suited for use with molecules the size of hormones, vitamins and many compounds frequently used in tissue and cell culture applications. For this reason, β-cyclodextrin is most commonly used as a complexing agent.

(2-Hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin has been used:

• to investigate its effects on cholesterol homeostasis
• for the kindling procedure in mice and hippocampal electrographic analysis
• to improve poor prepulse inhibition (PPI) in mice

The solubility of lipophilic drugs increases linearly with the concentration of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBC) in aqueous solution because of the complex between HBC and the drug. This guest-host type complex is formed between the drug and the non-polar cavity in the HBC that results in enhanced solubility. Solutions may be lyophilized to produce freely soluble powders. Non-toxic in rabbits and mice.