Cyclodextrin. Molecular model of beta-cyclodextrin, which comprises seven sugar molecules bound in a ring. Cyclodextrins are used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries for their ability to hold other molecules within their central ring. They can be used to remove a targeted molecule from a substance (for example in the production of cholesterol free foods) or to store a molecule and release it when triggered to (for example, fragrances in tumble dryer sheets). Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (grey), hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red).