Gluten-free breads are usually characterized by deficient quality characteristics as compared to wheat
breads. Problems related to volume and crumb texture are associated with gluten-free breads even
when rice flour is used, which seems to be the best raw material for this type of bread. The potential
use of cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase (CGTase) as a rice bread improver is presented. The effect
of CGTase addition to rice flour on dough rheology and bread quality was investigated. In addition,
an experimental design was developed to optimize the levels of CGTase, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
(HPMC), and oil. The addition of CGTase produced a reduction in the dough consistency and also
in the elastic modulus. With regard to the rice bread quality, better specific volume, shape index, and
crumb texture were obtained. The amount of cyclodextrins in the bread crumb was quantified to
explain the action of this enzyme. The data indicate that the improving effect of the CGTase results
from a combination of its hydrolyzing and cyclizing activities, the latter being responsible for the release
of cyclodextrins, which have the ability to form complexes with lipids and proteins.