Bacterial cyclodextrin glucanotransferase

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) is an enzyme which catalyzes intramolecular (cyclizing) and intermolecular (coupling, disproportionation) transglycosylation as well as having a hydrolytic action on starch and cyclodextrins. By a cyclizing reaction, the enzyme converts starch and related alpha-1, 4-glucans to cyclodextrins which are widely utilized in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The present review attempts to summarize the reported data concerning the bacterial producers of CGTase, growth cultural conditions providing optimal enzyme biosynthesis in batches, repented batch and continuos cultivation of free and immobilized cells, as well as some physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of the enzyme, CGTase immobilization, and enzyme structure. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.