Enzymatic synthesis of monoterpenyl β-D-glucosides by various β-glucosidases

Abstract β-glucosidases from Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma reesei, Candida molischiana , and almond have been shown to catalyze synthesis of β-glucosides of primary monoterpene alcohols, such as geraniol, nerol, and citronellol, using cellobiose as carbohydrate donor. Enzymes had the strongest glucosyl transferase activity for geraniol. Glucosylation of (±)-citronellol was nonselective. Among organic solvents tested, 30% acetone in enzyme assay gave the highest yield in glucoside synthesis. Monoterpene alcohols, such as linalool, α-terpineol, and menthol, were not used as acceptors in transglycosylation reactions.