My highlights at the 2nd Day of EuroCD2025

1. The plenary of Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch on the applications of thiolated cyclodextrins, especially the mucoadhesive use (chaired by Caitriona from.GENEGUT)

2. The collaboration of Roquette and InSiliBio on insilico modelling presented by Vincent Dumouilla

3. Anita Kiss on RotaChrom Technologies‘ cyclodextrin applications

4-5. Milo’s collaborative projects with Cristina Parisi on light-responsive CDs and one with Mary McNamara (Bicyclos HEurope) on targeted delivery

6. Our former secondee Fahad Khan Tareen on intranasal therapeutic delivery

Cyclodextrins fighting GOUT

I remember that I already loved the topic when Adrián Matencio Durán first told me about it in 2022.

Now the paper is out, summarizing the key results:
1. First-time use of CDs and CD-polymers (HBCD-Pol) as a novel strategy to treat gout and hyperuricemia.

2. HBCD-Pol shows superior uric acid solubilization compared to native cyclodextrins.

3. In vitro tests confirm inhibition and dissolution of MSU crystal formation.

4. In vivo studies show reduced inflammation and cytokine modulation without toxicity.

5. CDs and HBCD-Pol offer a safe, effective platform for UA-related disease therapy.

I trust to see some in vivo data soon. Will I?

Commercial and non-commercial cyclodextrin derivatives as a novel therapy to improve gout’s disease and hyperuricemia – ScienceDirect

CarboHyde was on BIO 2025 in Boston

Boston was buzzing this summer – and not just with tourists and Red Sox fans. From June 16–19, over 30,000 attendees and 5,000+ companies converged for BIO International Convention 2025, the world’s largest biotech gathering.

CarboHyde was proudly represented, and we were on a clear mission:
To scout novel cyclodextrin-based technologies and explore emerging applications across pharma, biotech, and beyond.

And the hunt delivered!

While a full Cyclodextrin Tales edition is coming soon, here are a few spoilers from the cutting edge of CD science:

  • Antibody–drug conjugates enhanced by cyclodextrin-based linkers
  • Microneedle drug delivery systems using CDs for improved stability and release
  • Vaccine platforms incorporating CDs as solubility enhancers and immune boosters
  • And surprisingly, cyclodextrins as active ingredients themselves in metabolic and neurodegenerative conditions

This year’s BIO wasn’t just about science—it was about scale and energy. In 3.5 days, we connected with dozens of innovators, start-ups, CDMO reps, and academic pioneers.

Cydexa – for dry eye relief

Today’s cyclodextrin is about cyclodextrins and nutraceuticals, a specific application in particular: Cydexa – for dry eye relief

The following is claimed for the product:
“the Entrocoat Cyclodextrin Autoencapsulation Technology significantly enhances the effectiveness of Cydexa. This innovative technology encases Cydexa probiotics in a protective cyclodextrin coat, ensuring their survival through the digestive system and maintaining their potency until they reach the small and large intestines. Once released by Entrocoat, the Cydexa probiotics are further enhanced by the cyclodextrin core, which acts as a prebiotic, thereby enhancing their effectiveness for optimal gut health and aiding dry eye relief.”

We have not tested this product yet, and while the above is possible with CDs, it is certainly challenging.
1. CDs usually cannot protect products in the digestive system on their own.
2. The release from the CD cavity is rather difficult to control or extend

We will do some testing soon and share what we find.

In any case, the product does look super sexy 🙂

Fascinating Hungarian invention in ophthalmic application

After oral and parenteral formulation, ophthalmics are the 3rd most popular for cyclodextrin use.

Here is a fascinating Hungarian invention in the field of ophthalmology from Semmelweis University and University of Szeged.

US20250108034 EYE DROP FORMULATION

An ocular formulation comprising a cyclodextrin-formulated L-Ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (ASP), preferably for the treatment of fibrosis in the cornea, corneal haze, and wound.

Heartiest congratulations to György Tibor Balogh, PhD, DSc, dr. habil and his team and Gábor Katona, Ildiko Csoka and their team.

We hope to see many more of similar great solutions to come!

5-Fluorouracil-β-Cyclodextrin conjugates:Linker strategies to enhance the anticancer efficacy and reduce the side effects

Today’s cyclodextrin:
In the CD-world, CD-API conjugates received some attention, one candidate even reached clinics, yet most certainly, the true potential as an NCE or prodrug has not been explored.

Here is some encouragement, a case study on 5-flurouracil when tagged with BCD.

The results?
– superior antitumor activity
– reduced cytotoxicity towards normal cells
– slower elimination
– longer half-life

5-Fluorouracil-β-Cyclodextrin conjugates:Linker strategies to enhance the anticancer efficacy and reduce the side effects – ScienceDirect

Optimizing 6-benzylaminopurine for micropropagation: A cyclodextrin monomers and polymers approach

What a personal milestone!

Our youngest one, Dani Bisericaru was still at Università degli Studi di Torino when he did this work that now led to his first first-author paper.

Special gratitude goes to Francesco Trotta and Adrián Matencio Durán for their excellent mentorship of Dani that we enjoy to this very day at CarboHyde.

So check out and learn how this research lays the foundation of the eco-friendly use of cyclodextrin-based polymers for micropropagation improvement.

Optimizing 6-benzylaminopurine for micropropagation: A cyclodextrin monomers and polymers approach – ScienceDirect

Modulating fatty acid metabolism and composition of CHO cells by feeding high levels of fatty acids complexed using methyl-β-cyclodextrin

Today’s cyclodextrin is about fatty acid supplementation to cells.

In this study, Bradley Priem, Maciek Antoniewicz and colleagues from University of Michigan developed a robust method for supplementing fatty acids in CHO cultures using methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD), and showed that the degree of saturation in CHO cell mass can be precisely tuned with tailored feeding strategies.

Using GC-MS and 13C tracing, we uncovered how supplemented fatty acids undergo elongation, desaturation, and β-oxidation—leading to striking changes in cell composition.

Fascinating work that paves the way for new feed media formulations containing fatty acids to optimize CHO cell physiology in industrial cell cultures.

Modulating fatty acid metabolism and composition of CHO cells by feeding high levels of fatty acids complexed using methyl-β-cyclodextrin – ScienceDirect