Synthesis of β-D-glucosyl- and β-D-fucosyl-glucoses using β-glycosidase from Thermus thermophilus

Abstract.

The thermostable β-glycosidase from Thermus thermophilus, cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli was used to catalyze the transfer of β-D-glucosyl and β-D-fucosyl from the corresponding p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glycopyranosides to a hydroxyl group of glucose in the synthesis of β-D-glucosyl-D-glucopyranoses and β-D-fucosyl-D-glucopyranoses. The yields in disaccharides produced under conditions of non-initial velocity were very attractive and the formation of the β(1–3) linked disaccharides was largely favored. The enzyme could constitute a valuable biocatalyst for the synthesis of disaccharides involving such structures as, for example, Bifidus factors.