Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides produced from starch hydrolysis using bacterial enzymes. They are safe, natural products that trap, solubilise, and stabilise a range of bioactive molecules. They are highly selective with applications in food, food supplements, personal care, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, paints, and surface coatings. The market for cyclodextrins is growing rapidly as new uses are found. There are three natural cyclodextrins on the market differing in size and binding characteristics. Size is determined by the number of glucose units in the ring structure (6,7 or 8). The applicant (NCIMB) has acquired rights to a unique bacterial enzyme that produces a smaller cyclodextrin with either 4 or 5 glucose units. A smaller cyclodextrin offers more selectivity for smaller molecules and should support new applications and market opportunities in gas adsorption and bioremediation. Proof of concept data has been obtained and used to support a patent family. Moreover, a route to enzyme manufacture has been established using a bacterial strain engineered to over express the enzyme. The bacterial host is robust and relatively easy to scale. In this 12-month project, NCIMB plans to demonstrate a route to enzyme manufacture and produce sufficient enzyme for characterisation. Specialist sub-contractor IBioIC will develop fermentation and purification protocols for enzyme production. NCIMB will characterise the enzyme and use to produce the cyclodextrin product from starch. Specialist sub-contractor (Ludger) will then analyse the cyclodextrin product to confirm size and purity. At project end, we should have a robust data package for market engagement and technology licensing to chemical companies producing and selling cyclodextrins. **The identification, characterisation, and exploitation of a novel cyclodextrin will strengthen the existing data and generate new intellectual property around manufacture. The technology supports new markets and a global business opportunity for NCIMB.**