UTM DISCOVER ENZYME IN TAPIOCA, SAGO FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY, PHARMACEUTICAL, FOOD INDUSTRY USE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
researchers have succeeded in discovering enzymes in tapioca and sago that can
be turned into valuable products for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and food
industries.

UTM vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zaini Ujang said the enzyme producing bacteria
was found in products cultivated in Pontian in southern state of Johor.

Known as Siklodekstrin Glukanotransferase (CGTase), the enzyme was
discovered through a biotechnological method involving bacteria isolation
process.

"The research also found that there are three Siklodekstrin (CD) which could
be produced from tapioca and sago, namely Alfa, Beta and Gamma with different
market values.

"The highest price is for Gamma CD which is estimated at between RM320 and
RM400 per kilogramme as compared to Beta CD which is only worth about RM16 per
kilogramme," he said after visiting Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA),
here Tuesday.

Meanwhile, UTM Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering Faculty lecturer,
Prof Dr Rosli Md Illias said throughout the 10-year research, UTM had also
filed a patent for two CGTase recombinant enzymes that can be used as stabilizer
in food, medical and agriculture industries. (US$1=RM3.58)
-- BERNAMA