Frontiers in polysaccharide biosynthesis: Decoding the catalytic logic of enzymes for future applications

Polysaccharide biosynthesis serves as the fundamental pathway for the sustainable and precise manufacturing of these essential biomacromolecules. This review provides a systematic analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying natural polysaccharide biosynthesis across diverse biological sources, with a focus on the complete process from precursor activation and glycan chain polymerization to post-assembly modifications. The discussion highlights both the shared principles and unique features inherent to biosynthetic systems in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Advances in enzymology, positioned as indispensable tools for deciphering and manipulating these complex pathways, are critically examined within the context of the overarching biosynthetic machinery. Building upon this foundational understanding, the review consolidates recent progress in employing synthetic biology strategies to reconstruct and optimize these natural networks. A key focus is their application potential for the controlled production of structurally defined polysaccharides in engineered systems. The integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and systems biology, to drive future innovations in the field is also explored. This work aims to furnish a comprehensive biological perspective and a solid theoretical framework to understand the biosynthesis of polysaccharides.