Dextrans and related glucans produced from sucrose by lactic acid bacteria have been studied for many years and are used in numerous commercial applications and products. Most of these glucans are water-soluble, except for a few notable exceptions from cariogenic Streptococcus spp. and a very small number of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains. The ability to produce water-insoluble glucans in situ may be of value in encapsulation technology and in the production of biocompatible films and fibers. There are several different ways in which these enzymes can be exploited to produce water-insoluble glucans with varying properties.   We determined that modifying a single amino acid from a L. mesenteroides glucansucrase significantly altered the proportions of linkage types, with correlating changes in the physical properties of the polysaccharide. We will discuss the physical properties of these novel polymers and their potential applications in agriculture, medicine and the petroleum industry.

Custom-tailored water-insoluble glucans from sucrose via glucansucrases

248th National Meeting (2014)

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