Investigation of continuous cyclodextrin glucanotransferase production by the alginate-immobilized cells of alkalophilic Bacillus sp. in an airlift reactor

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) production by free and calcium alginate-immobilized cells was investigated in an airlift reactor. The average volumetric productivity with continuous fermentation (13.65 U ml−1 h−1) was found to be greater than the free cells (6.89 U ml−1 h−1). The total CGTase enzyme produced with continuous fermentation was found to be about 98% greater than with that of free cells. The immobilized Bacillus particles showed a half-life of 18 days during continuous fermentation under airlift conditions.