Author
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Cote, Gregory |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2010 Publication Date: 11/7/2011 Citation: Cote, G.L. 2011. Oligosaccharides from sucrose via glycansucrases. In: Gordon, N.S., editor. Oligosaccharides: Sources, Properties and Applications. Chapter 8. New York, NY: Nova Scientific Publishers. p. 157-179. ISBN 978-1-61122-424-5. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Glycansucrases are a class of microbial enzymes that polymerize either the fructosyl or the glucosyl moiety of sucrose to give beta-D-fructans or alpha-D-glucans. They are also capable of transferring fructosyl or glucosyl units to acceptor molecules to yield oligosaccharides. Although the glycosyl donor specificity is limited to sucrose and related sugars, the acceptor specificity is very broad, and includes numerous carbohydrates as well as non-carbohydrate molecules. This chapter describes the enzymes and the variety of oligosaccharide structures that result from their acceptor reactions. Applications can range from modified drugs to food ingredients. Although very few of the products have thus far been commercialized, the potential is being actively studied and shows great promise. |
