Cyclodextrin-Based Nano Delivery & Self-Emulsifying Systems Platform

Poor aqueous solubility remains one of the most critical barriers in small-molecule drug development, particularly for BCS Class II and IV compounds. While conventional cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes effectively improve solubility for many APIs, they may reach intrinsic limitations when confronted with extremely hydrophobic structures, high-dose requirements, or narrow absorption windows.

The nano delivery/self-emulsifying systems platform at Alfa Chemistry extends traditional cyclodextrin inclusion strategies by integrating CDs with nanocarriers and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). Through multi-level structural design and synergistic solubilization mechanisms, this platform is specifically developed to address formulation challenges where single-component approaches are insufficient.

Integrated Technology Architecture

Our platform is built on the rational combination of cyclodextrin chemistry with advanced delivery systems, enabling tailored solutions based on API physicochemical properties and development objectives.

Core Technology Routes

Cyclodextrin–Nanocarrier Composite Delivery Systems

In cyclodextrin–nanocarrier composite systems, cyclodextrins are engineered as functional elements within nanoscale delivery architectures rather than serving solely as molecular hosts. By integrating CDs into polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanocarriers, or hybrid organic–inorganic systems, both molecular inclusion and nanoscale confinement effects are achieved.

This approach enables:

• Enhanced drug loading through dual solubilization mechanisms
• Suppression of API crystallization and precipitation
• Tunable release kinetics via carrier composition and CD type

Alfa Chemistry offers customization across cyclodextrin classes (α-, β-, γ-CD and derivatives), particle size distribution, surface properties, and drug loading levels, supporting early-stage feasibility studies through advanced formulation optimization.

Fig. 1 Examples of 6-thio-β-cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles. (A) Schematic diagram of the mechanism of action of CDTP@Fc-PEG nanoparticles in combination chemotherapy and chemokinetics for prostate cancer. (B) Characterization of CDTP@Fc-PEG nanoparticles. (C) In vitro anticancer properties of the nanoparticles. (D) In vivo anticancer properties of CDTP@Fc-PEG nanoparticles^[1].

Cyclodextrin-Enabled Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (CD-SEDDS)

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems are widely applied to improve the oral bioavailability of lipophilic APIs by forming fine oil-in-water emulsions upon gastrointestinal dilution. However, conventional SEDDS may suffer from drug precipitation, formulation instability, or limited dose scalability.

Fig. 2 The mechanism of SEDDS absorption from the small intestine^[2].

Our scientists perform systematic compatibility and phase-behavior studies to optimize CD selection, lipid composition, and emulsification performance.

Advanced Multiphase Cyclodextrin-Based Solubilization Systems

For APIs where neither cyclodextrin inclusion, nanocarriers, nor SEDDS alone provide sufficient solubility enhancement, Alfa Chemistry develops multiphase solubilization systems. These systems integrate multiple solubilization domains, such as CD inclusion phases, nano-dispersed domains, lipid emulsified phases, and polymer-stabilized regions.

Such designs offer:

• Multiple drug accommodation sites
• Reduced dependence on excessive single excipients
• Improved formulation robustness across physiological conditions

This platform is designed as a problem-solving solution for highly challenging molecules in early formulation screening and preclinical development.

Application Scenarios

Why Alfa Chemistry

Discuss Your Challenging API with Our Scientists

It should be noted that our our products and services are for research use only, not for clinical use.