Review of Levan polysaccharide: From a century of past experiences to future prospects

Levan is a fascinating β-(2,6)-linked fructose polymer with an unusual combination of properties characterized in this review. In nature, levan is synthesized from sucrose by a wide range of microorganisms and a few plant species. Bacterial levans often have molecular weights over 500,000Da, are com...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biotechnology advances 2016-09, Vol.34 (5), p.827-844
Main Authors: Öner, Ebru Toksoy, Hernández, Lázaro, Combie, Joan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antineoplastic Agents
Aquaculture
Bacteria
Bacteria - metabolism
Biotechnology
Enzymes
Fructans
Fructose
Genetics
Hexosyltransferases
Levans
Nanospheres
Prebiotics
Protective Agents
Recombinant Proteins
Soy Foods
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Summary:Levan is a fascinating β-(2,6)-linked fructose polymer with an unusual combination of properties characterized in this review. In nature, levan is synthesized from sucrose by a wide range of microorganisms and a few plant species. Bacterial levans often have molecular weights over 500,000Da, are commonly branched, and form compact nanospheres offering a broad spectrum of applications. The most relevant genetic, biochemical and structural aspects of the biosynthetic enzyme levansucrase are detailed. Optimization of parameters for levan production by intact bacteria and by the isolated enzyme is surveyed. The diversity of current and potential applications of levan is illustrated by a discussion of uses ranging from personal care and aquaculture to the medical and food industries.
ISSN:0734-9750
1873-1899
DOI:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.05.002