Programmable amylose architectures via α-glucan phosphorylase coupling: From process variables to structure-property...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Current phosphorylase-based amylose synthesis lacks a process-structure-property map.
• Non-food cellulose conversion into valuable carbohydrates requires a design and manufacturing framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a predictive linkage between operating variables and amylose architecture.
• To investigate a dual-enzyme cascade reaction for amylose synthesis.
• To establish a framework for large-scale conversion of non-food cellulose into high-value carbohydrates.

Main Methods:

• Systematic variation of temperature, pH, enzyme stoichiometry, and addition timing.
• Investigation of cellobiose/maltotetraose primer ratio.
• Time-resolved monitoring and multiscale characterization of amylose synthesis.

Main Results:

• Optimized conditions (pH 5.0, 50°C) and primer ratio control amylose chain length (1821–69,252 g/mol) and yield (up to 35.84%).
• Primer availability dictates chain length, polymorph selection (V-B, V-C, A-V), morphology (granules, aggregates, films), and thermal properties.
• Quantitative distribution curves revealed synthesis stages influenced by glucose threshold.

Conclusions:

• A predictive framework for synthesizing amylose with controllable structure and properties was established.
• The study provides insights into the pathway and theoretical basis for large-scale cellulose conversion.
• This research enables the design and manufacturing of amylose with tailored characteristics.