Cyclodextrin based artificial enzymes

Using cyclodextrins (CDs) as scaffolds for artificial enzymes has emerged as a promising strategy for improving catalytic processes.

CDs are still widely used in the design of artificial enzymes and in understanding the enzymatic reaction mechanisms, especially in applications that require the modification of substrate solubility or the stabilization of reaction intermediates.

This review summarizes the CD-based artificial enzyme development, discusses key challenges and limitations of syntheses, and explores potential strategies to improve their catalytic activity.

Great paper from László Jicsinszky, Katia Martina, Luisa Boffa, Giancarlo Cravotto

Cyclodextrin Tales: Celebrating 100 Issues

Actually, it’s 103 already.

I started writing this newsletter on the 23rd January, 2023.

In the ever-evolving world of science, staying updated on the latest research of cyclodextrins can be a challenge. Cyclodextrin Tales, a LinkedIn-based scientific newsletter, has been bridging that gap by providing insightful articles on cyclodextrins—fascinating ring-shaped molecules with applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and beyond. Now, with its 100th issue, the blog has firmly established itself as a go-to resource for scientists, researchers, and industry professionals alike.

Launched to bring awareness and discussion around cyclodextrins, Cyclodextrin Tales has consistently delivered high-quality, engaging content. Each issue dives into a different aspect of these versatile molecules, from their role in drug delivery and environmental applications to emerging innovations in material science. The blog’s ability to break down complex scientific concepts into accessible insights has made it an essential read for both experts and newcomers to the field.

If you like these brief communications, Subscribe to join 4500 cyclodextrin enthusiasts, and gain and share knowledge on current and novel applications, challenges, and possibilities.

Beyond just being informative, Cyclodextrin Tales has cultivated a growing community of professionals who share a passion for these intriguing molecules, counting now 4500+ subscribers. Discussions sparked by each issue have led to collaborations, knowledge exchange, and deeper engagement within the scientific world. By reaching this 100th issue milestone, the blog not only marks a numerical achievement but also highlights the sustained curiosity and innovation surrounding cyclodextrins.

As Cyclodextrin Tales looks ahead to the future, it remains a valuable hub for scientific exploration. With new research constantly emerging, the blog is set to continue its mission of educating, inspiring, and connecting people in the world of cyclodextrins. Here’s to the next 100 issues and beyond!

Some of my favorite issues?

Size Matters: How Cyclodextrin Cavity Size Impacts its Applications

CarboHydrate Chronicles – the podcast to meet cyclodextrin experts

Exploring the Visionary Role: Ophthalmic Uses of Cyclodextrins

Beyond the Doughnut: Cyclodextrins as Nanoparticles in Cutting-Edge Innovations

The Story Behind Sugammadex’s Success

Stabilized Nucleic Acid Processing for Enhanced Amplification

today’s cyclodextrin:
I love this invention from Biomeme, Inc. for processing a target nucleic acid sequence.

The inventors – Jonathan H. & Stephen Judice – use cyclodextrin to stabilize an enzyme and nucleic acids.
CDs can also shorten a cycle threshold value or a time to result value in the nucleic acid amplification and lower a detection limit.

Read the patent here: WO2025049920 METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR SAMPLE PROCESSING

carbohyde

CarboHyde Cyclodextrin Masterclass IV

What to Expect?
Explore the evolving landscape of cyclodextrin-based drug delivery, from established uses to groundbreaking innovations. Our expert speaker will dissect key advancements, addressing both challenges and transformative opportunities that enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Key Focus Areas:
Monoclonal Antibodies
Gene Therapy
Vaccines
Biotechnology

You can register here: Cyclodextrin Masterclass IV – CarboHyde

Supramolecular Complexes of Ultrashort Cationic Lipopeptides with Cyclodextrins: Improved Selectivity and Therapeutic Potential

Hungarian cyclodextrin science flourishes!

This paper by Horváti Kata & Chiara Bellini et al is about formulating lipopeptides.

Formulation with the randomly methylated α-cyclodextrin (RAMEA) and the sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) has resulted in the production of ultralow-sized molecular dispersion systems and reduced lipopeptide toxicity without compromising its antimicrobial activity.

Supramolecular Complexes of Ultrashort Cationic Lipopeptides with Cyclodextrins: Improved Selectivity and Therapeutic Potential – Bellini – Aggregate – Wiley Online Library

Nasal delivery with cyclodextrins

The development project of Università di Pavia is a fantastic example of combining excipients.

Mucoadhesive and thermo-responsive in situ gelling systems were developed for nasal delivery, using hydrophobically-modified hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose (Sangelose, SG) and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives, for preventing viral respiratory infections.

Silvia Rossi, Barbara Vigani & colleagues


Development of a nasal spray based on cyclodextrin/hydrophobically-modified hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose for the prevention of viral respiratory infections – ScienceDirect

carbohyde

Bad Hair Day? Cyclodextrins to the Rescue!

today’s cyclodextrin:
It’s Monday.
You are not in the mood to get up. To work.
And your hair sucks too.

But cyclodextrins can help!

Cyclodextrins were not yet utilized in personal care products in 1978, during the golden era of shiny hairstyling epitomized by the release of Grease. Had they been available, John Travolta could have made great use of the innovation described here. Tokyo-based Arimino Co., Ltd., founded in 1946 and specializing in hair and skin cosmetics—including hair color, styling products, shampoos, and skincare—has introduced a breakthrough product: Arimino Men Freeze Keep Grease. This scented hair grease for men incorporates native beta-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin as fragrance-retention agents. According to the company’s website (https://www.arimino.co.jp/), the product exemplifies their innovative use of cyclodextrins, which are featured across numerous offerings on their site. Among these, Arimino Men Freeze Keep Grease stands out as a truly remarkable development.

Low-bitterness soluble composition capable of quickly and efficiently dispelling effects of alcohol

Today’s cyclodextrin is not a huge innovation, but a smart application and sometimes these are much bigger hits.

This is a Low-bitterness soluble composition capable of quickly and efficiently dispelling effects of alcohol, dispelling effects of alcohol, protecting liver or preventing drunkenness.

Technically, its dihydromyricetin is complexed in a cyclodextrin combined with some phospholipids.

Has anyone tried such a complex to see if it works?

I can imagine several uses, such as
– high in sobering efficiency
– quick in effect
– hangover alleviation
– liver protection or
– drunkenness prevention

Espacenet – CN118985909A Low-bitterness soluble composition capable of quickly and efficiently dispelling effects of alcohol, dispelling effects of alcohol, protecting liver or preventing drunkenness as well as preparation method and application of low-bitterness soluble composition