BIOPROSPECTING FOR CYCLODEXTRIN GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASE PRODUCING BACTERIA

Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase- (CGTase), (EC.2.4.1.19) producing micro-organisms were isolated from different sources of soil (paddy plantation, potato plantation, garden and Malpe beach) from places in and around Udupi, India. A potential isolate MBS 24 was identified as Virgibacillus pantothenticus. This organism was cultivated on modified Horikoshi medium at 130 rpm for 24 h at 32 °C. The maximum production of CGTase enzyme was observed (0.308μmol/ml β-CD units) after 36 h of incubation at 32°C and pH 10.0. CGTase was precipitated using ammonium sulphate at 60% saturation. Cyclodextrin (CD) produced by incubation of CGTase with starch was extracted using toluene and analyzed by thin layer chromatography. Rf values of the solvent extracted CD were similar to the standard α, β and γ CD confirming that all three types of CD's were formed during enzymatic conversion. These CDs could be used as drug carrier for delivering BCS class II drugs.