-Cyclodextrin is a cyclic heptamer composed of seven glucose
units joined "head-to-tail" by alpha-1,4 links. It is produced by
the action of the enzyme, cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase (CGT),
on hydrolyzed starch syrups. CGT is obtained from Bacillus
macerans, B. circulans or related strains of Bacillus.
In foods and Flavours: Beta-cyclodextrin are used in food formulations for flavour protection and deodouring additives for foods.
As a result of its cyclic structure, -cyclodextrin has the
ability to form inclusion compounds with a range of molecules,
generally of molecular mass of less than 250. It may serve as a
carrier and stabilizer of food flavours, food colours and some
vitamins. Intake of -cyclodextrin from use as a food additive has
been estimated at 1-1.4 g/day. Other applications in decaffeination
of coffee/tea and in reducing the cholesterol content of eggs by
complexation followed by separation of the complex would make a much
lower contribution to intakes.