A Comprehensive Guide to 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin: Structure, Function, and Pharmaceutical Applications
What Is 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin?
2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is a chemically modified derivative of natural β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), produced by the hydroxypropylation of β-CD's hydroxyl groups at the 2-, 3-, and/or 6-positions. The structural modification makes HP-β-CD more soluble in water than its parent compound with a solubility rate above 100 mg/mL. The molecule maintains its seven-membered α-1,4-linked D-glucopyranose ring which characterizes β-CD and sustains its conical hydrophobic cavity, but achieves enhanced hydrophilicity through hydroxypropyl substituents. The result is a highly amphiphilic molecule with a hydrophobic inner cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface, making it an ideal inclusion host for hydrophobic guest molecules.
The inclusion complexation ability of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is central to its functionality. The hydrophobic cavity accommodates various poorly soluble or unstable substances, while the hydrophilic outer surface enhances their solubility in water and their bioavailability. The molecule's ability to possess both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties drives its extensive application across pharmaceuticals,…