Exploration of transfructosylation activity in cell walls from Cryptococcus laurentii for production of functionalised β-d-fructofuranosides

Cell wall preparations from a strain of the yeast Cryptococcus laurentii catalyse formation of β-d-fructofuranosides from sucrose. The enzyme preparation exhibits high stability and broad substrate specificity enabling use of a variety of aliphatic and phenolic primary alcohols as fructofuranosyl acceptors. Chemical yields range from 3 to 38% depending on reaction conditions and chemical nature of acceptor.