Posted by Ginkgo seeds, which are abundant in starch, remain significantly underutilized, contributing to substantial resource waste and environmental pollution. This study investigates the production of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) from ginkgo seeds utilizing β-cyclodextrin transferase. The research introduces a comparative analysis of two distinct pretreatment schemes for ginkgo seed powder, of which scheme B, which incorporates high-temperature gelatinization at 90 °C, emerges as particularly effective. This approach not only reduces the viscosity of the starch but also eliminates gel formation, leading to a homogeneous distribution of short-chain starch particles. This is evidenced by a notable transition in X-ray diffraction patterns from type A to type B, indicating a fundamental change in the starch structure. Furthermore, the study achieves a significant milestone in process optimization, resulting in an impressive cyclodextrin conversion rate of 72.63%. This represents a substantial 1.9-fold increase compared to the initial conversion rate prior to optimization. The research highlights the critical role of temperature in modifying starch structure and emphasizes the essential function of β-CGTase in this transformation. These findings are not only noteworthy for revealing the untapped industrial potential of ginkgo seed powder but also for demonstrating its practical application in β-CD production. This study offers valuable insights and a scientific basis for the development and utilization of ginkgo seeds across various industries, potentially opening new avenues for the sustainable use of this abundant resource.
Duan, X.; Fan, Y.; Liu, Q.; Ding, Y. An Efficient Approach for β-Cyclodextrin Production from Raw Ginkgo Seed Powder Through High-Temperature Gelatinization and Enzymatic Conversion. Catalysts 2025, 15, 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020108