Synthesis of beta-D-glucosyl- and beta-D-fucosyl-glucoses using beta-glycosidase from Thermus thermophilus

The thermostable beta -glycosidase from Thermus thermophilus, cloned and ov erexpressed in Escherichia coli was used to catalyze the transfer Of beta - D-glucosyl and beta -D-fucosyl from the corresponding p-nitrophenyl-beta -D -glycopyranosides to a hydroxyl group of glucose in the synthesis Of beta - D-glucosyl-D-glucopyranoses and beta -D-fucosyl-D-glucopyranoses. The yield s in disaccharides produced under conditions of non-initial velocity were v ery attractive and the formation of the beta (1-3) linked disaccharides was largely favored. The enzyme could constitute a valuable biocatalyst for th e synthesis of disaccharides involving such structures as, for example, Bif idus factors.