CGTase
Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of starch and related glucans into cyclodextrins through transglycosylation and hydrolysis. In a starch medium, CGTase cleaves α-1,4-glycosidic bonds and facilitates the formation of cyclic glucan molecules consisting of 6, 7, or 8 glucose units, known as α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins. The distribution of these products depends on the enzyme source, substrate, and reaction conditions.
CGTase is produced by several bacteria, with Bacillus circulans historically the most prominent source. Additional thermostable
Applications of CGTase center on cyclodextrin production. Cyclodextrins are widely used as inclusion complexes to improve