ABSTRACT
Cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase (CGTase) is the enzyme that belongs to the amylase family and converts starch into cyclodextrins (CD’s) which are closed-ring structures having six or more glucose units joined by means of a-1, 4 glucosidic bonds. CGTases are catalyzing four different transferase reactions: cyclisation, coupling, disproportionation, and hydrolysis. Cyclodextrins are produced from starch by means of enzymatic conversion by cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase enzyme. CGTase hydrolyses any a-1,4-linkage within amylose molecule and then transfers the newly formed reducing end of the oligosaccharide to its own non-reducing end. Cyclodextrins are used for the stabilization of active compounds, reduction in volatility of drug molecules, and masking of odors and bitter tastes. CDs form inclusion complexes with a wide variety of hydrophobic guest molecules due to the unique molecular structure.
