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Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
Experimental and theoretical study on the intermolecular complex formation between trehalose and benzene compounds in
Kota Sakakura1, Atsutoshi Okabe, Kazuyuki Oku
1Center for Biological Resources and Informatics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, B-62 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 12, 2011
Summary
Trehalose, a sugar, interacts with aromatic molecules like benzene. This binding occurs at trehalose's hydrophobic regions, minimizing water displacement and potentially explaining its protective roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biophysics
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
Background:
- Trehalose is a disaccharide known for its protective functions against various stresses.
- Its unique properties as a stress protectant may stem from its amphiphilic character, allowing interactions with both polar and non-polar molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between trehalose and aromatic compounds in aqueous solutions.
- To elucidate the structural basis and driving forces behind trehalose-aromatic compound complex formation.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, specifically (1)H-(1)H NOESY, was used to detect intermolecular complex formation.
- Computational methods, including potential mean force calculations, were employed to model the interaction energetics.
Main Results:
- NMR data confirmed the formation of stable intermolecular complexes between trehalose and benzene (or p-cresol).
- Theoretical calculations revealed that benzene preferentially binds to the hydrophobic regions of trehalose, avoiding the well-hydrated areas.
- The binding mode suggests a mechanism that minimizes the energetic penalty associated with dehydration.
Conclusions:
- Trehalose can form stable complexes with aromatic compounds by interacting with its hydrophobic moieties.
- This interaction mechanism, minimizing dehydration penalties, offers insights into trehalose's biological roles as a stabilizer.
- The findings contribute to understanding the molecular basis of trehalose's protective effects in biological systems.
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