Glycosyltranferase-catalyzed synthesis of non-natural oligosaccharides

Enzymes are indispensable tools in modern organic synthesis. Recent progres s in cloning techniques, microbiology and protein purification supply an ev er growing number and quantity of preparatively useful biocatalysts. initia lly used to synthesize compounds found in nature, enzymes are now probed on non-natural substrates to an increasing degree. They work on highly functi onal and unprotected substrates under mild and environmentally friendly con ditions. In addition, they exhibit an excellent chemo-, regio- and stereose lectivity. The following article will focus on the application of glycosylt ransferases in the area of molecular glycobiology. Selected reactions with non-natural substrates will be discussed.