Chemoenzymatic synthesis of ultralow and low-molecular weight heparins

Heparin is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan isolated from animal tissues and is medically used as an anticoagulant drug. Adulteration attempts of isolated heparin with chondroitin sulfate in the past resulted in great safety concerns. Also, increasing demands on batch-to-batch homogeneity for better evaluation and control of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties kindled the development of synthetic routes for the production of heparin and its derivatives. The discovery of enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and their application in chemoenzymatic synthesis makes it feasible to generate low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and ultra-low molecular weight heparins (ULMWHs). Understanding the scope and limitations of these enzymes currently used in the production of synthetic heparins will help to achieve more defined heparins with controlled medicative properties. Here, we summarized the recent advances in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of LMW/ULMW heparins.