Enzymatic Synthesis of 4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-moranoline and 3-O-β-D-Galacto-pyranosyl-moranoline by Using β-Galactosidase from Bacillus circulans

A transgalactosyIation reaction from lactose to moranoline (1-deoxynojirimycin) was accomplished by using β-gaIactosidase [EC 3.2.1.23] from Bacillus circulans. The enzyme formed 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline and 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline as major products, together with 2-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline and 6-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline as minor ones.