Zhaofeng Li, Miao Wang, Feng Wang
Sep 22, 2007
Citations
3
Influential Citations
174
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Abstract
Cyclodextrins are cyclic α-1,4-glucans that are produced from starch or starch derivates using cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase). The most common forms are α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins. This mini-review focuses on the enzymatic production, unique properties, and applications of γ-cyclodextrin as well as its difference with α- and β-cyclodextrins. As all known wild-type CGTases produce a mixture of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins, the obtaining of a CGTase predominantly producing γ-cyclodextrin is discussed. Recently, more economic production processes for γ-cyclodextrin have been developed using improved γ-CGTases and appropriate complexing agents. Compared with α- and β-cyclodextrins, γ-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.