Isomerization of deoxyhexoses: green bioproduction of 1-deoxy-d-tagatose from l-fucose and of 6-deoxy-d-tagatose from d-fucose using Enterobacter agglomerans strain 221e

Abstract 1-Deoxy- d -tagatose was produced by the hydrogenation of 6-deoxy- l -galactose ( l -fucose) to l -fucitol followed by oxidation with Enterobacter agglomerans 221e; a similar sequence on d -fucose afforded 6-deoxy- d -tagatose. Thus, the polylol dehydrogenase recognizes the d - galacto -configuration of both d -fucitol and l -fucitol. The procedures were conducted in water and show the power of green, environmentally friendly biotechnology in the preparation of new monosaccharides with a potential for novel bioactive properties. 6-Deoxy- d -tagatose was also synthesized from d -tagatose via the efficient formation of 1,2:3,4-di- O -isopropylidene-α- d -tagatofuranose; a difficult final removal of protecting groups by acid makes the biotechnological route more attractive.