Recombinant Whole Cells as Catalysts for the Enzymatic Synthesis of Oligosaccharides and Glycopeptides

An easier, faster, cheaper approach to the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides would be to employ whole cells rather than purified enzymes. In this report recombinant E. coli cells mediate the mannosylation of monosaccharides and glycopeptides. It was also proven that the relevant enzyme, mannosyl transferase, does not leak from the periplasmic space of the cells into the medium.