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Updated: Nov 6, 2025
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Concanavalin A-Based Sedimentation Assay to Measure Substrate Binding of Glucan Phosphatases
Published on: December 23, 2022
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β-Glucan phosphorylases in carbohydrate synthesis
Zorica Ubiparip1, Marc De Doncker1, Koen Beerens1
1Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|May 10, 2021
Summary
β-Glucan phosphorylases are enzymes with significant potential for synthesizing bioactive β-glucans. This review highlights their characteristics and applications in producing functional carbohydrates.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
Background:
- β-Glucan phosphorylases are carbohydrate-active enzymes.
- They catalyze reversible degradation of β-linked glucose polymers.
- They utilize sugar phosphates as donor substrates, crucial for the carbohydrate industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of β-glucan and β-glucobiose phosphorylases.
- To focus on their application in carbohydrate synthesis.
- To highlight their role in producing bioactive compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of β-glucan phosphorylases.
- Analysis of enzyme specificities (linkage type, degree of polymerization).
- Exploration of biocatalytic synthesis applications.
Main Results:
- β-Glucan phosphorylases are classified in GH families 94, 149, and 161.
- Diverse specificities for β-glucans and β-glucobiose have been reported since 1963.
- These enzymes show potential for bottom-up synthesis of β-glucans.
Conclusions:
- β-Glucan phosphorylases are valuable biocatalysts for synthesizing functional carbohydrates.
- Their unique substrate preference makes them significant for industrial applications.
- Continued research promises advancements in carbohydrate production.
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