Combinatorial enzyme approach to produce Oligosaccharides of diverse structures for functional screen

Authors: Wong, Dominic; Feng, Doris; Batt-Throne, Sarah; Orts, William

Submitted to: Advances in Enzyme Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/26/2018
Publication Date: 6/29/2018
Citation: Wong, D., Feng, D., Batt, S.B., Orts, W.J. 2018. Combinatorial enzyme approach to produce Oligosaccharides of diverse structures for functional screen. Advances in Enzyme Research. 6(2):11-20. https://doi.org/10.4236/aer.2018.62002.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/aer.2018.62002

Interpretive Summary: Pectins are heterogeneous mixtures of branched and highly hydrated polysaccharides present as a major component in biomass plant cell wall. The polymeric chain can break down into small oligosaccharide fragments chemically or enzymatically, consisting of variable sizes and side groups. The structural diversity of the oligosaccharide fragments would express into different reactivity and functional properties. Specific enzymes were applied to produce libraries of pectic oligosaccharides from citrus pectin. Repeated fractionation and screening resulted in the discovery of an active pectic oligosaccharide with antimicrobial activity on a test organism in liquid culture. The active pectic oligo species may be useful as alternatives for antimicrobial growth promoters or a new source of high-value functional preservatives.

Technical Abstract: Combinatorial chemistry has been a focus of research activity in modern drug discovery and biotechnology. It is a concept by which a vast library of molecular diversity is synthesized and screened for target properties. This report is to illustrate the application of enzyme technology using the concept of combinatorial chemistry as a novel approach for the bioconversion of plant fibers. Citrus pectin was subjected to combinatorial enzyme digestion to create libraries of pectic oligosaccharides. Repeated cycles of fractionation and screening resulted in the isolation and identification of an active oligoGalA species with antimicrobial activity.