Answer to Question #150676 in Chemistry for jnna

Question

What are cyclodextrins? Describe the mechanism of action of sugammadex.

Answer 1

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides that consist of glucose units joined by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds and are used as drug delivery compounds. Sugammadex is a modified cyclodextrin where the sixth carbon of each glucose unit is modified with a carboxyl thioether group that binds the target molecule. As a result, the outer surface of the sugammadex is hydrophilic while its core is lipophilic allowing encapsulation of the rocuronium molecule - a neuromuscular-blocking agent and muscle relaxant used in anesthesia procedures.