gamma-Cyclodextrin: a review on enzymatic production and applications

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2007 Nov;77(2):245-55. doi: 10.1007/s00253-007-1166-7. Epub 2007 Sep 22.

Abstract

Cyclodextrins are cyclic alpha-1,4-glucans that are produced from starch or starch derivates using cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase). The most common forms are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins. This mini-review focuses on the enzymatic production, unique properties, and applications of gamma-cyclodextrin as well as its difference with alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins. As all known wild-type CGTases produce a mixture of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins, the obtaining of a CGTase predominantly producing gamma-cyclodextrin is discussed. Recently, more economic production processes for gamma-cyclodextrin have been developed using improved gamma-CGTases and appropriate complexing agents. Compared with alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins, gamma-cyclodextrin has a larger internal cavity, higher water solubility, and more bioavailability, so it has wider applications in many industries, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus / enzymology*
  • Glucosyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Industrial Microbiology / methods*
  • gamma-Cyclodextrins / chemistry
  • gamma-Cyclodextrins / metabolism*

Substances

  • gamma-Cyclodextrins
  • Glucosyltransferases
  • cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase
  • gamma-cyclodextrin