Sucrose phosphorylase as cross-linked enzyme aggregate: improved thermal stability for industrial applications

Sucrose phosphorylase is an interesting biocatalyst that can glycosylate a variety of small molecules using sucrose as a cheap but efficient donor substrate. The low thermostability of the enzyme, however, limits its industrial applications, as these are preferably performed at 60°C to avoid microbial contamination. Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of the sucrose phosphorylase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis were found to have a temperature optimum that is 17°C higher than that of the soluble enzyme. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme displays an exceptional thermostability, retaining all of its activity after 1 week incubation at 60°C. Recycling of the biocatalyst allows its use in at least ten consecutive reactions, which should dramatically increase the commercial potential of its glycosylating activity.