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Exo- and Endo-1,5-α-L-Arabinanases and Prebiotic Arabino-Oligosaccharides Production

Summary

This review explores arabino-oligosaccharides (AOS), special sugar compounds that act as prebiotics to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Scientists use enzymes called arabinanases to produce these AOS from plant material, particularly from arabinan found in sugar beets. Different types of these enzymes create different AOS products with varying health benefits, making them promising ingredients for functional foods and supplements that support digestive health.

Background

Arabino-oligosaccharides (AOS) are pentose-based prebiotic oligosaccharides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of arabinan polymers found in plant cell walls. AOS can selectively stimulate beneficial gut bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species, with potential health benefits such as blood sugar control.

Objective

This review systematically analyzes exo- and endo-1,5-α-L-arabinanases (exo- and endo-ABNs) and their biotechnological potential for AOS production. It comprehensively compares enzyme classification, structural differences, and catalytic mechanisms to support innovative applications in health, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Results

Most ABNs belong to GH43 family with five-bladed β-propeller fold, while exo-ABNs from GH93 feature six-bladed β-propeller fold. Endo-ABNs randomly hydrolyze internal linkages producing AOS with varying polymerization degrees, while exo-ABNs produce specific products like arabinotriose (GH43) or arabinobiose (GH93).

Conclusion

Exo- and endo-ABNs are indispensable biocatalysts for enzymatic AOS production with significant potential across health, food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. Ongoing enzyme technology advancements will unlock commercial potential of prebiotic AOS for gut health and functional nutrition applications.
  • Published in:Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39849927; DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2412.12052
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