Modelling of oligosaccharide synthesis by dextransucrase

Dextransucrase catalyses the formation of dextran, but also of numerous oligosaccharides from sucrose and different acceptors, if appropriate conditions are chosen. Much experimental work has been carried out and a scheme of reactions and a mathematical model have been developed to describe the complex kinetic behaviour of the enzyme. A computer program was used to calculate the parameters of the model from a broad range of experimental data, investigating a large number of kinetic tests with the acceptors maltose and fructose. The results lead to design considerations for a continuous reactor system with immobilized dextransucrase to produce leucrose, a disaccharide of industrial interest.