Phosphorylases in the Production of Oligosaccharides

Phosphorylases are one of the three main types of enzymes involved in the formation and cleavage of glycosyl linkages. They are expected to function as unique catalysts in the production of oligosaccharides, owing to their reactions being reversible and highly regio-specific. However, they have not been studied as extensively as the other two types, the hydrolases and synthases. Pairs of phosphorylases have been used to prepare oligosaccharides, including trehalose, cellobiose, and laminaribiose. New processes using phosphorylases to produce oligosaccharides with α-1,2 glucosyl linkage and amylose are reported.