Disaccharide Synthesis by Enzymatic Condensation of Glucose: Glycoside Linkage Patterns for Different Fungal Species

Four enzyme preparations produced by fungal species belonging to different genera (Aspergillus niger, Corynascus sp., Penicillium verruculosum, Trichoderma reesei) were used for synthesis of disaccharides by D-glucose (60% w/v) condensation catalyzed by -glucosidase. Effects of pH and temperature on the disaccharide synthesis were studied, and glycoside linkage patterns for enzymes from different sources were determined. The highest concentration of disaccharides (114 and 118 g/l) was achieved in the case of A. niger and Corynascus sp. enzymes after 48 h of the condensation reaction carried out at 70 o C and optimal pH; the P. verruculosum sample slightly conceded them in the yield of products (96 g/l), while the T. reesei preparation displayed the lowest synthetic activity (35 g/l). Gentiobiose was predominantly formed in the reaction catalyzed by the first three enzyme samples, while in the case of T. reesei laminaribiose was the main condensation product.