Capsaicin Entrapment in Metal-Organic Framework Material Derived from γ-Cyclodextrin

Capsaicin, a pungent molecule from red chilli is known for its therapeutic benefits. However, poor aqueous solubility coupled with inherent pungency has limited its applications. We envisaged, encapsulation of capsaicin in biocompatible MOF material derived from γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) to overcome solubility and pungency attributes. Encapsulation of capsaicin was accomplished via crystal growth achieved by vapour diffusion of ethanol to synthesis solution consisting of γ-CD, KOH and capsaicin.The accomplished MOF Caps@γ-CDMOF was thoroughly characterized in solid state by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), IR, DSC, SEM and in solution by UV, fluorescence, NMR spectroscopic techniques. The encapsulation of capsaicin was found to be slightly higher than 3:1 (γ-CD: capsaicin ratio) in Caps@γ-CDMOF.</p