Exploitation of a library of alpha-galactosidases for the synthesis of building blocks for glycopolymers.

After screening a library of fungal alpha-galactosidases for the synthesis of functionalized alkyl alpha-D-galactopyranosides, four enzymes (isolated from Aspergillus terreus CCM55, Aspergillus commune CCM 2969, Penicillium vinaceum CCM 2384, or Penicillium brasilianum 2155) proved to be suitable for these biotransformations. The effect of different concentrations of alcohol on activity and stability of these enzymes was investigated. After optimization of the reaction conditions, three galactose derivatives (allyl, 2-nitroethyl and 2-(2',2',2'-trifluoroacetamido)-ethyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside, 1a, 3a, and 4a, respectively), suitable for subsequent chemical polymerization, were synthesized using either the "reverse hydrolysis" or the "transglycosylation" protocols. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.