Structure
According to the stereo conformation of glycosidic linkages, naturally occurring Glucosylglycerols (GGs) are generally divided into α-GGs and β-GGs. Whereas α-GGs are mainly identified in microorganisms during their responses to environmental stresses, to date, β-GGs are found exclusively in higher plants.
Description
Glucosylglycerols (GGs) are a group of small heterosides comprising one molecule of glucose and one molecule of glycerol via glycosidic bonds. In nature, glycosidic linkages within GGs are established between the C1-hydroxyl group of glucose and one of the three hydroxyl groups of sn-glycerol. They are mainly produced by many moderately salt-tolerant cyanobacteria as compatible solutes in a salt-dependent manner and synthesized in a few higher plants and fermentation processes. Because of their many interesting physicochemical properties and biological activities, such as low sweetness, low hygroscopicity, high water-holding capacity, excellent biocompatibility, favourable performance in protecting macromolecules, and antitumor activity, GGs exhibit large application potential in the fields of cosmetics, health care, food service, enzyme production, and pharmaceuticals[1].
Uses
2-O-α-D-Glucosylglycerol is used to prepare glycoglycerolipid analogs active as antitumor-promoters the influence of the anomeric configuration.
Definition
ChEBI: 2-O-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)glycerol is a glucosylglycerol consisting of an alpha-D-glucosyl residue attached at position 2 of glycerol via a glycosidic bond. It has a role as an osmolyte and a bacterial metabolite. It is a glucosylglycerol and an alpha-D-glucoside.
Synthesis
Glucosylglycerol is extracted and purified from microalgae culture. Steps include: 1) Harvesting and washing of microalgal cells. 2) Homogenization and primary dehydration of cells. 3) Three-stage counter-current extraction to obtain an extract containing GG. 4) Filtration of the extract to remove impurities. 5) Two-stage pigment removal (membrane separation and adsorption resin). 6) Membrane concentration and desalination. 7) Dehydration to obtain high-purity GG product.
References
[1] Quan Luo, Xuefeng Lu, Yangkai Duan . “Biological sources, metabolism, and production of glucosylglycerols, a group of natural glucosides of biotechnological interest.” Biotechnology advances 59 (2022): Article 107964.
