Glycosylation of Fluorophenols by Plant Cell Cultures

Fluoroaromatic compounds are used as agrochemicals and released into environment as pollutants. Glycosylation of 2-, 3-, and 4-fluorophenols using plant cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum was investigated to elucidate their potential to metabolize these compounds. Cultured N. tabacum cells converted 2-fluorophenol into its beta-glucoside (60%) and beta-gentiobioside (10%). 4-Fluorophenol was also glycosylated to its beta-glucoside (32%) and beta-gentiobioside (6%) by N. tabacum cells. On the other hand, N. tabacum glycosylated 3-fluorophenol to beta-glucoside (17%).