Application of Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) in the Niche Field of Pet Odor Removal and Protection
Time:
Sep 12,2025
First, why hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin ( HP- β -CD )?
Among many cyclodextrins, HP- β -CD it is the most commonly used type in pet products, for the following reasons:
1. Higher water solubility: Compared to natural β - cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl modification greatly enhances its water solubility, making it easier to formulate various water-based products (such as sprays, wet wipes, and cleansing liquids).
2. Stronger inclusion ability: Its cavity size and hydrophobicity are very suitable for encapsulating common pet odor molecules (such as ammonia, sulfides, short-chain fatty acids, etc.).
3. Excellent safety: HP- β -CD It is considered one of the safest cyclodextrin derivatives currently available. It has very low skin irritation, is barely absorbed orally, and is very friendly to pets (including cats and dogs).
1. Working Principle
HP- β -CD The core working principle in pet deodorization and care: "Molecular cage" physical capture
HP- β -CD The molecular structure resembles a miniature "cage" or "sponge":
· Hydrophilic exterior: allows it to easily dissolve in water, facilitating use.
· Hydrophobic interior: this cavity particularly likes to adsorb and capture non-polar, hydrophobic small molecules.
The main culprits of pet odors include:
( 1 ) Ammonia produced by urea decomposition in urine ( Ammonia )
( 2 ) Skatole in feces ( Skatole ) and indole ( Indole )
( 3 ) short-chain fatty acids (such as acetic acid, propionic acid) in anal gland secretions and sweat
( 4 ) Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by bacterial metabolism ( VSCs )
) Most of these molecules are hydrophobic. When the solution contacts these odor molecules, its hydrophobic cavity quickly "swallows" them and forms stable inclusion complexes. This process is physical, not chemical masking or neutralization. HP- β -CD溶液接触到这些异味分子时,其疏水空腔会迅速将它们“吞入”并形成稳定的包合物。这个过程是物理作用,而非化学掩盖或中和。
2. Specific Application Forms and Products
Based on the above principles, HP- β -CD it is widely used in the following pet deodorization and care products:
1. Environmental deodorizing spray (core application)
This is the most common form. Dissolve HP- β -CD in water to make a solution of a certain concentration, then put it into a spray bottle.
Usage: Spray directly on pet beds, litter boxes, carpets, sofas, toys, car interiors, and other contaminated or odorous areas.
Advantages:
( 1 1) Root deodorization: physically removes odor molecules directly, rather than covering them with stronger fragrances ("covering odor with scent" often works worse).
( 2 2) Long-lasting effect: the inclusion complex is stable, locking in odors so they are not easily released, providing lasting effect.
( 3 3) Safe and non-toxic: no worries about pets licking it; no irritation to the respiratory tracts of pets and humans; especially suitable for households with cats (cats are sensitive to essential oils and chemical fragrances).
( 4 4) No residue: does not leave sticky feeling or strong fragrance residue on surfaces.
2. Cat litter additive / High-end cat litter ingredient
Application: directly add HP- β -CD in powder form to mineral or plant-based cat litter, or integrate it into cat litter granules during production.
Function: after the cat excretes, it can immediately capture and encapsulate odor molecules volatilized from feces and urine, preventing odor spread from the source and keeping the litter box area air fresh. HP- β -CD能立即捕捉和包合粪便和尿液挥发出的异味分子,从源头遏制臭味扩散,保持猫砂盆区域的空气清新。
3. Pet-specific wet wipes and urine pads
Application: add HP- β -CD to the care liquid of wet wipes or treat the absorbent layer of urine pads.
Function:
( 1 1) Wet wipes: when wiping pet paws, around the anus, or body, it not only cleans dirt but also removes odors attached to the fur.
( 2 2) Urine pads: when pet urine wets the pad, HP- β -CD can quickly capture odor molecules in the urine, greatly reducing indoor odors.
4. Pet grooming products (shampoo, conditioner)
Application: add to pet shampoo or conditioner.
Function:
( 1 1) Deep cleaning and deodorization: more effectively encapsulates and removes deeply embedded odor molecules on pet hair and sebum (such as "dog smell," smoke smell, environmental odors).
( 2 2) Long-lasting fragrance: can encapsulate fragrance molecules, slowly releasing them on the fur, making the scent more natural and lasting, rather than cheap and pungent.
( 3 3) Gentle and non-irritating: as a non-surfactant cleaning aid, it is very mild and suitable for pets with sensitive skin.
3. Performance Summary: HP- β -CD Advantages Compared to Traditional Deodorizers
Characteristics | Traditional Air Fresheners / Fragrance | Chemical Neutralizer | Hydroxypropyl Beta-Cyclodextrin ( HP- β -CD ) |
Mechanism of Action | Fragrance Masking | Chemical Decomposition | Physical Inclusion and Capture |
Safety | Lower (Fragrance irritates respiratory tract) | Low (Harmful to organisms at high concentrations) | Extremely High (Food and pharmaceutical grade excipient) |
Durability | Short-lived | Relatively Short | Long-lasting (Odors are locked in) |
Residue | Leaves fragrance residue | Possible chemical residue | No chemical residue |
Pet Friendliness | Unfriendly (Especially to cats) | Unfriendly | Very Friendly |
4. Conclusion
Hydroxypropyl Beta-Cyclodextrin ( HP- β -CD ) with its physical inclusion, safety, non-toxicity, and high efficiency and durability characteristics has become the core ingredient of modern high-end pet deodorizing and care products. It represents an upgrade in the pet care industry from "masking problems" to "solving problems," providing pet owners who value pet health and quality of life with a scientific and effective solution.
5. Raw Material Recommendations
Shandong Zhonghuan Zhongjie Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, production, and application of cyclodextrin derivatives, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, and new cyclodextrin materials. The company's main recommended products include: Hydroxypropyl Beta-Cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), Sulfobutyl Beta-Cyclodextrin Sodium (SBE-β-CD), Methyl Beta-Cyclodextrin (M-β-CD), Hydroxypropyl Gamma-Cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD), Natural Cyclodextrins (α-Cyclodextrin, β-Cyclodextrin, γ-Cyclodextrin), Water-Soluble Salicylic Acid Inclusion Complex, Water-Soluble Azelaic Acid Inclusion Complex, etc. 。
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