Supramolecular Assembly: Cyclodextrins and Their Derivatives Reshape Veterinary Drug Development with Six Cutting-Edge Technologies

Cyclodextrins ( Cyclodextrins, CDs ) are a class of cyclic oligosaccharides produced by enzymatic degradation of starch. They have a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface, enabling them to form complexes with various hydrophobic molecules through inclusion. This unique property gives them broad application potential in veterinary medicine, mainly in the following aspects:

1.  Improve drug solubility

Problem: Many veterinary drugs (such as antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs) have low bioavailability due to their hydrophobicity.

Solution: Cyclodextrins form water-soluble complexes with drug molecules, significantly improving drug solubility. For example:

Ivermectin (antiparasitic drug) combined with hydroxypropyl - β - Cyclodextrins ( HP- β -CD ) can enhance its water solubility and absorption efficiency.

Florfenicol (broad-spectrum antibiotic) with hydroxypropyl - β - cyclodextrin or β - cyclodextrin complex shows improved solubility, suitable for injection or oral administration.

2.  Enhance drug stability

Light / Heat-sensitive drugs: Cyclodextrins can protect drugs from light, oxidation, or hydrolysis, extending shelf life.

Case: Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as meloxicam) are easily decomposed at high temperatures. Combining them with cyclodextrins improves the stability of the formulation.

3.  Mask unpleasant odors or bitter taste

Applicable scenarios: Oral formulations (such as tablets and liquids) where drug odor causes animals to refuse food.

Application: Cyclodextrins encapsulate bitter molecules (such as certain antibiotics or anthelmintics), improving palatability and enhancing medication compliance.

4.  Control drug release

Sustained-release effect: Cyclodextrin complexes can delay drug release, reducing the frequency of administration. For example, sulfonamide drugs combined with cyclodextrins can be slowly released in the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining effective blood drug concentrations.

Targeting: By chemically modifying cyclodextrins (such as adding targeting groups), drug delivery to specific tissues or cells can be achieved.

 5.  Reduce drug toxicity

   -  Local irritation: Cyclodextrins can reduce the irritation of certain drugs (such as topical antifungal drugs) on the skin or mucous membranes.

Systemic toxicity: By controlling the drug release rate, avoiding sudden increases in blood drug concentration, and reducing the risk of side effects.

6.  Improve bioavailability

Intestinal absorption: Cyclodextrin complexes improve absorption efficiency by promoting drug transmembrane transport or protecting them from degradation by intestinal enzymes.

Case: Enrofloxacin (fluoroquinolone antibiotic) with sulfobutyl - β - Cyclodextrins ( SBE- β -CD ) complex shows significantly improved bioavailability.