Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin

Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin

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Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin
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Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin

Abbreviation MEBCD

Catalog CD128446366

CAS Number 128446-36-6

Cyclodextrin Type Randomly substituted cyclodextrins, neutral

Packaging 10 kg

Storage Condition Store at room temperature, in tightly closed container

Availability In stock

*On-demand pack size is available, please contact us for multi-kilograms pack sizes.

Description

Parameters

Applications

Related Products

Case Study

Product Description

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, abbreviated as MEBCD or MCD, is a methylated derivative of native β-CD. It is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of seven glucopyranose units and shaped like a hollow truncated cone. Due to the presence of a hydrophobic core, MEBCD has inclusion properties and has a higher affinity for cholesterol. Compared with native CDs, MEBCDs are very soluble in organic solvents, less hygroscopic and have a lower surface tension. Due to the various advantages they exhibit, MEBCDs are extensively used as excipients in drug formulations to increase the permeability of cells, which increases the uptake of small molecules such as glucose [1]. Custom bulk orders of this product are available upon request.

Basic Information

Average Molecular FormulaC42H70-nO35·(CH3)n
Average Molecular Weight1135 + n·(14.0)
Average Degree of Subtitution7.0-13.3
Possible ImpuritiesChloride, beta-cyclodextrin
SolubilitySoluble in water, methanol, DMF. Insoluble in acetone, chloroform.

Detailed Information

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceWhite powder
OdorSlightly sweet
ContentMin.98.0%
Appearance of aqueous solution (2.5 g/25 ml)The solution is clear.
pH5.0-7.5
Specific optical rotation+154° - +165°
Loss on dryingMax. 7.0%
Residue on ignitionMax. 0.5%

Impurities

Light absorbing impuritiesA230-A350: max. 1.0
A350-A750: max. 0.1
Residual beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD)Max. 0.2%
Residual chlorideMax. 0.2%
Heavy metalsMax. 10 ppm

Microorganism

Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC)Max. 1000 cfu/g
Total yeast and mold count (TYMC)Max. 100 cfu/g
Escherichia coliNot detectable

Applications

MEBCD can be used to encapsulate drug molecules and assist in solubilizing them. The main application of MEBCD is as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. For example, some protease inhibitor drugs have low solubility or limited permeability. When MBECD is co-formulated with these poorly absorbed drugs, the pharmacokinetic profile of the molecules can be improved, which in turn improves bioavailability [2].

Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin

  • MEBCD was used to enclose saquinavir (SQV), an HIV-1 protease inhibitor drug, for improving the solubility of SQV. This encapsulation method possesses economic and technical advantages. In addition to increasing SQV solubility, MEBCD has a certain inhibitory effect on the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function of small intestinal epithelial cells, which increases SQV bioavailability in vivo, as P-gp limits SQV's oral bioavailability and tissue penetration. In summary, MEBCD has both solubilizing ability and P-gp inhibitory activity, leading MEBCD-based SQV oral formulations to facilitate its further clinical application [2,3].

As one of the leading CD companies, Alfa Chemistry has a dedicated team which has accumulated extensive expertise in the field of CD chemistry. We offer high quality MEBCDs in multi-kilogram quantities tailored to the special needs of the pharmaceutical and other industries. We do our best to provide customers with first-class products and services. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

References

  1. Mundhara, N.; et al. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin, an actin depolymerizer augments the antiproliferative potential of microtubule-targeting agents. Scientific Reports. 2019, 9: 7638.
  2. Pathak, S. M.; et al. Enhanced oral absorption of saquinavir with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin—preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2010, 41(3-4): 440-451.
  3. Jain, R.; et al. Evasion of P-gp mediated cellular efflux and permeability enhancement of HIV-protease inhibitor saquinavir by prodrug modification. Int J Pharm. 2005, 303(1-2): 8-19.

Case Study

Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin for the Preparation of Trimethoprim Inclusion Complexes via Solution, Ultrasonic, and Microwave-Assisted Methods

Preparation of trimethoprim/methyl beta-cyclodextrin complexes, in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic study, and evaluation of antibacterial activity in combination with the complex of sulfamethoxazole/methyl beta-cyclodextrinDing Y, et al. Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025, 1321, 140105.

In the aqueous solution method, trimethoprim dissolved in glacial acetic acid was combined with an aqueous solution of M-β-CD at 60 °C under vigorous stirring (900 rpm) for 6 hours. After cooling and sequential processing steps-filtration, freezing at –20 °C, and lyophilization-a dry powder complex was obtained, demonstrating the ability of M-β-CD to form host–guest complexes under mild thermal conditions.

In the ultrasonic-assisted approach, the same reactants were subjected to ultrasound at 80% power for 1 hour. This technique significantly enhanced molecular interaction through acoustic cavitation, promoting rapid inclusion and uniform encapsulation. Post-treatment involved refrigeration, removal of the acetic acid, filtration, freezing, and freeze-drying to isolate the complex.

In the microwave-assisted synthesis, M-β-CD and trimethoprim were reacted under intermittent microwave irradiation (10 min heating and 5 min interval cycles) for 30 minutes, enabling efficient energy transfer and expedited complexation. The final product was similarly processed by filtration, freezing, and lyophilization.

Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Enhances Urolithin B Solubility via Inclusion Complex Formation

Encapsulated urolithin B–methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Synthesis, characterization, in vivo pharmacokinetics with hypolipidemic effectLiu C, et al. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, 2025, 9, 100636.

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) was utilized to improve the solubility and stability of Urolithin B (UB) through the formation of an inclusion complex. The UB–M-β-CD inclusion complex was synthesized using a modified solution-stirring method. M-β-CD (45 g) was dissolved in 300 mL of heated distilled water, followed by the gradual addition of UB (2.443 g) dissolved in acetone. Stirring at 800 rpm for 8 hours at 85°C ensured effective interaction and encapsulation. The acetone was evaporated, and unencapsulated UB was removed via filtration through a 0.45-µm membrane. The complex was then frozen at −80°C and lyophilized at −50°C under vacuum, yielding 42.006 g of lyophilized powder (88.54% yield).

Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Facilitates Nasal Powder Formulation of Anti-Tubercular Drugs

Trans-nasal brain delivery of anti-TB drugs by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin microparticles show efficient mycobacterial clearance from central nervous systemJadhav K, et al. Journal of Controlled Release, 2025, 378, 671-686.

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) was employed as a key excipient in the development of nasal powder formulations for isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), two essential anti-tubercular drugs. A phase solubility study confirmed the inclusion complex formation between M-β-CD and RIF, enhancing its solubility and stability. INH- and RIF-loaded microparticles (INH-MP and RIF-MP) were synthesized via spray drying, where M-β-CD served as a polymeric carrier. For INH-MP, 100 mg of M-β-CD was dissolved in water, followed by the addition of 20 mg INH. RIF-MP preparation involved dissolving RIF in isopropyl alcohol before introducing it into an aqueous M-β-CD solution under continuous mechanical stirring. Both formulations maintained a 1:5 drug-to-polymer ratio (w/w) and a total solid content of 2% (w/v). Spray drying was conducted at an inlet temperature of 100–150 °C, with optimized flow rates ensuring the formation of stable microparticles.

Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Enhances Intracellular Delivery of α-Linolenic Acid-Paclitaxel Nanoparticles for Improved Antitumor Efficacy

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin Enhances Tumor Cellular Uptake and Accumulation of α‑Linolenic Acid–Paclitaxel Conjugate NanoparticlesXu M, et al. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 2024, 21(12), 6109-6122.

Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) significantly enhances the intracellular accumulation of α-linolenic acid-paclitaxel conjugate nanoparticles (ALA-PTX NPs) by modulating membrane dynamics and lysosomal stability. Through plasma membrane cholesterol depletion, MβCD increases membrane fluidity, facilitating clathrin-mediated endocytosis and promoting the uptake of ALA-PTX NPs by HepG2 tumor cells. Additionally, MβCD disrupts lysosomal integrity, reducing ALA-PTX NP degradation and ensuring greater cytosolic drug release. In vivo studies in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that MβCD markedly improves the antitumor activity of ALA-PTX NPs, highlighting its potential as a nanomedicine enhancer. Notably, MβCD selectively enhances the uptake of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-conjugated paclitaxel nanoparticles, a property not observed in traditional paclitaxel liposomes unless co-administered with ALA-PTX NPs. These findings suggest that MβCD, in combination with PUFA-conjugated nanomedicines, offers a promising strategy for optimizing intracellular drug delivery and improving therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.

Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Facilitates Betulin Encapsulation for Electrospun Nanofiber Production

Preparation and characterization of betulin/methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex electrospun nanofiber: Improving the properties of betulinZhang Y, et al. Industrial Crops and Products, 2024, 209, 117974.

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD) enhances the solubility and processability of betulin by forming an inclusion complex. In this study, a 200% (w/v) aqueous MβCD solution was prepared by dissolving 2 g of MβCD in 1 mL of ultrapure water. Betulin was incorporated at a 1:2 molar ratio (betulin:MβCD), and the mixture was stirred for 12 hours at 25°C to form a Betulin/MβCD inclusion complex (Betulin/MβCD-IC). The Betulin/MβCD-IC solution was then utilized for electrospinning to fabricate nanofibers. Under controlled environmental conditions (25°C, 18% relative humidity), the electrospinning process was conducted using a 17 kV applied voltage, a 0.5 mL/h solution injection rate, and a 17 cm needle-to-collector distance. The resultant Betulin/MβCD-IC nanofibers (Betulin/MβCD-IC-NF) were successfully collected and sealed for further applications. This study underscores the role of MβCD in improving the aqueous dispersibility of hydrophobic bioactives like betulin, enabling their integration into electrospun nanofiber systems for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

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