Enzymatic modification of hydroxyethylcellulose by transgalactosylation with β-galactosidases

β-galactosidases from A. oryzae and a thermophilic CLONEZYME™ glycosidase library were used to catalyze the transfer of the β-d-galactopyranosyl moiety from lactose to the hydroxyl groups of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) in sodium acetate buffer. The degree of substitution was quantified by using galactose oxidase enzymatic assays. Depolymerization was also observed in the course of the transglycosylation reactions.