Formation of Amphiphilic Molecules from the Most Common Marine Polysaccharides, toward a Sustainable Alternative?

Marine polysaccharides are part of the huge seaweeds resources and present many applications for several industries. In order to widen their potential as additives or bioactive compounds, some structural modifications have been studied. Among them, simple hydrophobization reactions have been developed in order to yield to grafted polysaccharides bearing acyl-, aryl-, alkyl-, and alkenyl-groups or fatty acid chains. The resulting polymers are able to present modified physicochemical and/or biological properties of interest in the current pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or food fields. This review covers the chemical structures of the main marine polysaccharides, and then focuses on their structural modifications, and especially on hydrophobization reactions mainly esterification, acylation, alkylation, amidation, or even cross-linking reaction on native hydroxyl-, amine, or carboxylic acid functions. Finally, the question of the necessary requirement for more sustainable processes around these structural modulations of marine polysaccharides is addressed, considering the development of greener technologies applied to traditional polysaccharides.

Lipase-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Polymerization of Benzyl Malolactonate: An Unusual Mechanism?

The use of safe natural catalyst such as enzymes for ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ß-substituted ß-lactones such as benzyl malolactonate (MLABe) is an important objective considering the biomedical applications of the resulting (co)polymers. However, the preparation of well-defined polymeric materials using such systems requires an understanding of enzyme-substrate interactions. In this context, we investigated the mechanism of lipase-catalyzed ROP of MLABe, because it appears that it is probably not the same as the one widely described for other lactones such ε-caprolactone, propiolactone. and lactide. Enzymatic-catalyzed ROPs of MLABe in the presence of the lipase/acyltransferase CpLip2 and its serine knockout (serine KO) mutant (CpLip2_180A) have led to poly(benzyl malate) (PMLABe) terminated by a monobenzyl fumarate group with monomer conversion higher than 70% and weight-average molar mass of about 3600 g/mol (D = 1.42). On the other hand, only less than 7% of MLABe conversion and no polymer formation were observed when the polymerization reaction was conducted in the presence of inactivated CpLip2 (heated at 100 °C). Moreover, the ROP of MLABe in the presence of imidazole, a synthetic mimic of the catalytic histidine, led to a PMLABe terminated by a monobenzyl fumarate group. On the contrary, neither the enzymatic-catalyzed ROP of benzyl dimethylmalolactonate (diMeMLABe), a MLABe with two methyl groups instead of the two "acidic" protons on the lactone's ring, in the presence of CpLip2 and CpLip2_180A nor its chemical ROP in the presence of imidazole were successful. Together, all these results suggested that the lipase-catalyzed polymerization of malolactonates occurred through the abstraction of one of the two "acidic" protons of the lactone's ring by the histidine of the catalytic triad leading to the corresponding monobenzyl fumarate responsible for the polymerization of the remaining monomer. Finally, molecular modeling of the positioning of the monomer into the catalytic site of the CpLip2 and DFT quantum-chemical calculations highlighted an interaction of (R)- and (S)-MLABe with the catalytic histidine of the enzyme preferentially to serine, in the form of a strong hydrogen bond with one of the "acidic" protons of MLABe, thus, supporting the important role of the catalytic histidine in the polymerization of such cyclic lactones.

Cell Uptake and Biocompatibility of Nanoparticles Prepared from Poly(benzyl malate) (Co)polymers Obtained through Chemical and Enzymatic Polymerization in Human HepaRG Cells and Primary Macrophages.

The design of drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) appears to be a suitable strategy for the prolonged plasma concentration of therapeutic payloads, higher bioavailability, and the reduction of side effects compared with classical chemotherapies. In most cases, NPs are prepared from (co)polymers obtained through chemical polymerization. However, procedures have been developed to synthesize some polymers via enzymatic polymerization in the absence of chemical initiators. The aim of this work was to compare the acute in vitro cytotoxicities and cell uptake of NPs prepared from poly(benzyl malate) (PMLABe) synthesized by chemical and enzymatic polymerization. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of eight PMLABe-based polymers. Corresponding NPs were produced, their cytotoxicity was studied in hepatoma HepaRG cells, and their uptake by primary macrophages and HepaRG cells was measured. In vitro cell viability evidenced a mild toxicity of the NPs only at high concentrations/densities of NPs in culture media. These data did not evidence a higher biocompatibility of the NPs prepared from enzymatic polymerization, and further demonstrated that chemical polymerization and the nanoprecipitation procedure led to biocompatible PMLABe-based NPs. In contrast, NPs produced from enzymatically synthesized polymers were more efficiently internalized than NPs produced from chemically synthesized polymers. The efficient uptake, combined with low cytotoxicity, indicate that PMLABe-based NPs are suitable nanovectors for drug delivery, deserving further evaluation in vivo to target either hepatocytes or resident liver macrophages.

Biocatalyzed synthesis of difuranosides and their ability to trigger production of TNF-α.

Transglycosylation reactions biocatalyzed by the native arabinofuranosidase Araf51 and using d-galactosyl, d-fucosyl and 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-D-galactosyl derivatives as donors and acceptors provided di-to pentahexofuranosides. The immunostimulatory potency of these compounds, and more especially their ability to induce production of TNF-α, was evaluated on the murine macrophage cell line, Raw 264.7. The results obtained showed concentration-dependent and most importantly, structure-dependent responses. Interestingly, oligoarabinofuranosides belonging to the oligopentafuranoside family displayed concentration-, chain length and aglycon-dependent bioactivities irrespective of their fine chemical variations. Thus, neo-oligofuranosides in D-Galf series, as well as their D-Fucf and 6-fluorinated counterparts are indeed potential sources of immunostimulating agents.

Leishmania cell wall as a potent target for antiparasitic drugs. A focus on the glycoconjugates.

Although leishmaniasis has been studied for over a century, the fight against cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral forms of the disease remains a hot topic. This review refers to the parasitic cell wall and more particularly to the constitutive glycoconjugates. The structures of the main glycolipids and glycoproteins, which are species-dependent, are described. The focus is on the disturbance of the lipid membrane by existing drugs and possible new ones, in order to develop future therapeutic agents.

Araf51 with improved transglycosylation activities: one engineered biocatalyst for one specific acceptor.

A random mutagenesis of the arabinofuranosyl hydrolase Araf51 has been run in order to have access to efficient biocatalysts for the synthesis of alkyl arabinofuranosides. The mutants were selected on their ability to catalyze the transglycosylation reaction of p-nitrophenyl α-L-arabinofuranoside (pNP-Araf) used as a donor and various aliphatic alcohols as acceptors. This screening strategy underlined 5 interesting clones, each one corresponding to one acceptor. They appeared to be much more efficient in the transglycosylation reaction compared to the wild type enzyme whereas no self-condensation or hydrolysis products could be detected. Moreover, the high specificity of the mutants toward the alcohols for which they have been selected validates the screening process. Sequence analysis of the mutated enzymes revealed that, despite their location far from the active site, the mutations affect significantly the kinetics properties as well as the substrate affinity of these mutants toward the alcohol acceptors in the transglycosylation reaction.

Identification of three elicitins and a galactan-based complex polysaccharide from a concentrated culture filtrate of Phytophthora infestans efficient against Pectobacterium atrosepticum.

The induction of plant immunity by Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) constitutes a powerful strategy for crop protection. PAMPs indeed induce general defense responses in plants and thus increase plant resistance to pathogens. Phytophthora infestans culture filtrates (CCFs) are known to induce defense responses and decrease the severity of soft rot due to Pectobacterium atrosepticum in potato tubers. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the active compounds from P. infestans filtrate. The filtrate was fractionated by gel filtration, and the protection effects against P. atrosepticum and the ability to induce PAL activity were tested for each fraction. The fraction active in protection (F1) also induced PAL activity, as did the whole filtrate. Three elicitins (INF1, INF4 and INF5) were identified in F1b, subfraction of F1, by MALDI-TOF-MS and MS/MS analyses. However, deproteinized F1b still showed biological activity against the bacterium, revealing the presence of an additional active compound. GC-MS analyses of the deproteinized fraction highlighted the presence of a galactan-based complex polysaccharide. These experiments demonstrate that the biological activity of the CCF against P. atrosepticum results from a combined action of three elicitins and a complex polysaccharide, probably through the activation of general defense responses.

From algal polysaccharides to cyclodextrins to stabilize a urease inhibitor.

N-Butyl-phosphorotriamide (NBPT) is a fertilizer widely used for its urease inhibiting properties. Nevertheless, formulations currently commercialized are complex and do not avoid severe decrease of activity due to the low stability of the bioactive compound under acidic conditions. According to its structure, NPBT was thought to be able to interact with both polar additives, by its phosphoramide function, and hydrophobic ones, through its alkyl chain. In this context, and in order to simplify formulations of this bioactive compound, a panel of natural polysaccharides was studied, including starch, ß-(1,3)-glucans, carraghenans and alginates. We also used cyclodextrins, characterized the most stable inclusion complex with α-cyclodextrin and evaluated the stability of NBPT thus protected against hydrolysis under acidic conditions.

The versatile enzyme Araf51 allowed efficient synthesis of rare pathogen-related ß-D-galactofuranosyl-pyranoside disaccharides.

The preparation of galactofuranosyl-containing disaccharidic parts of natural glycoconjugates was performed according to a chemo-enzymatic synthesis. Our goals were firstly to develop an alternative approach to standard chemical strategies by limiting the number of reaction and purification steps, and secondly to evaluate the scope of the Araf51 biocatalyst to transfer a galactofuranosyl moiety to a set of pyranosidic acceptors differing from each other by the series, the anomeric configuration as well as the conformation. The study of binding mode of the resulting disaccharides was also performed by molecular modeling and showed significant differences between (1→2)- and (1→6)-linked disaccharides.

Specific and non-specific enzymes for furanosyl-containing conjugates: biosynthesis, metabolism, and chemo-enzymatic synthesis.

There is no doubt now that the synthesis of compounds of varying complexity such as saccharides and derivatives thereof continuously grows with enzymatic methods. This review focuses on recent basic knowledge on enzymes specifically involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of furanosyl-containing polysaccharides and conjugates. Moreover, and when possible, biocatalyzed approaches, alternative to standard synthesis, will be detailed in order to strengthen the high potential of these biocatalysts to go further with the preparation of rare furanosides. Interesting results will be also proposed with chemo-enzymatic processes based on nonfuranosyl-specific enzymes.

Exploring the synthetic potency of the first furanothioglycoligase through original remote activation.

Thioglycosidic bonds are of utmost importance in biomolecules as their incorporation led to more stable glycomimetics with potential drug activities. Until now only chemical methods were available for their incorporation into glycofuranosyl conjugates. Herein, we wish to describe the use of the first furanothioglycoligase for the preparation of a great variety of thioaryl derivatives with moderate to excellent yields. Of great interest, a stable 1-thioimidoyl arabinofuranose, classically used in chemical glycosylation, was able to efficiently act as a donor through an original enzymatic remote activation mechanism. Study of the chemical structure as well as the nucleophilicity of the thiol allowed us to optimize this biocatalyzed process. As a consequence, this mutated enzyme constitutes an original, mild and eco-friendly method of thioligation.

Studies of a furanoside as antimycobacterial agent loaded into a biodegradable PBAT/sodium caseinate support.

An improved synthesis of n-octyl ß-D-galactofuranoside was described using micro-wave activation. The resulting alkyl furanoside showed antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis, a non-pathogenic model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It was further incorporated into a biodegradable PBAT/sodium caseinate polymer. The resulting biomaterial loaded with 5% of the pharmacophore retained the mycobacteriostatic properties and developed a mycobactericidal activity on contact and at the periphery of the film.

Probing ß-(1→3)-D-glucans interactions with recombinant human receptors using high-resolution NMR studies.

A full characterization of the high-resolution NMR spectrum of the laminarihexaose is described and used for the determination of the binding epitope of the more complex but structurally related laminarin. These biophysical data extend the current knowledge of ß-glucans/Dectin-1 interactions and suggest different biological mechanisms in close relation with the size of the saccharidic chain.

Synthetic UDP-furanoses as potent inhibitors of mycobacterial galactan biogenesis.

UDP-galactofuranose (UDP-Galf) is a substrate for two types of enzymes, UDP-galactopyranose mutase and galactofuranosyltransferases, which are present in many pathogenic organisms but absent from mammals. In particular, these enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis of cell wall galactan, a polymer essential for the survival of the causative agent of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We describe here the synthesis of derivatives of UDP-Galf modified at C-5 and C-6 using a chemoenzymatic route. In cell-free assays, these compounds prevented the formation of mycobacterial galactan, via the production of short "dead-end" intermediates resulting from their incorporation into the growing oligosaccharide chain. Modified UDP-furanoses thus constitute novel probes for the study of the two classes of enzymes involved in mycobacterial galactan assembly, and studies with these compounds may ultimately facilitate the future development of new therapeutic agents against tuberculosis.

Double diastereoselection explains limitations in synthesizing mannose-containing beta-(1,3)-glucans.

It is known that 3-O-glycosylation of glucosidic acceptors bearing acyl groups in the 4 and 6 positions instead of a 4,6-O-benzylidene ring mainly affords alpha-glycosides. Described here is an unexpected stereochemical outcome for elongation at glucose O-3 of a beta-d-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-d-Manp disaccharide using peracetylated ethyl thioglucoside as a donor. This unexpected reaction was correlated with match-mismatch effects, as shown by efficient coupling of the same acceptor by a donor of l-configuration.

Enzymatic synthesis of oligo-D-galactofuranosides and l-arabinofuranosides: from molecular dynamics to immunological assays.

D-Galactofuranosyl-containing conjugates are ubiquitous in many pathogenic microorganisms, but completely absent from mammals. As they may constitute interesting pharmacophores, recent works have been dedicated to their preparation. Besides well-reported chemical procedures, enzymatic approaches are still limited, mainly due to the lack of the corresponding biocatalysts. Based on the similarity between chemical structures, the arabinofuranosyl hydrolase Araf51 from Clostridium thermocellum was expected to recognize both the L-Araf motif and its D-Galf analogue. Molecular dynamics and STD-NMR were firstly used to confirm this hypothesis and increase our knowledge of the active site. Interestingly, this arabinofuranosidase was not only able to hydrolyze galactosyl derivatives, but was also really efficient in catalyzing oligomerisations using p-nitrophenyl furanosides as donors. The structures of the products obtained were determined using mass spectrometry and NMR. Amongst them, all the possible regioisomers of di-arabino and -galactofuranosides were synthesized, and the ratio of each regioisomer was easily tuned with respect to the reaction time. Especially, the galactofuranobioside displaying the biologically relevant sequence beta-D-Galf-(1,6)-beta-D-Galf was enzymatically prepared for the first time. All fractions going from di- to penta-arabino- and galactofuranosides were tested for their ability in eliciting the production of TNF-alpha. Interesting immunological properties were observed with arabinofuranosides as short as three sugar residues.

Synthetic UDP-furanoses inhibit the growth of the parasite Leishmania.

The chemical synthesis of UDP-6-NHAc-6-deoxy-Galf was performed and it led to the isolation of both pure anomers. They were then evaluated together with the previously prepared UDP-furanoses for their anti-parasitic properties against Leishmania donovani promastigotes, one of the agents responsible for visceral leishmaniasis. Amongst them, the unnatural 1,2-trans UDP-6-NHAc-Galf demonstrated a high potency in inhibiting the growth of the parasite.

Probing UDP-galactopyranose mutase binding pocket: a dramatic effect on substitution of the 6-position of UDP-galactofuranose.

UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM) catalyzes the isomerization of UDP-galactopyranose (UDP-Galp) into UDP-galactofuranose (UDP-Galf), an essential step of the mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis. UDP-(6-deoxy-6-fluoro)-D-galactofuranose 1 was tested as substrate of UGM. Turnover could be observed by HPLC. The k(cat) (7.4s(-1)) and the K(m) (24 mM) of 1 were thus measured and compared with those of UDP-Galf and other fluorinated analogs. The presence of the fluorine atom at the 6-position had a moderate effect on the rate of the reaction but a huge one on the interactions between the enzyme and its substrate. This result demonstrated that key interactions occur at the vicinity of the 6-position of UDP-galactose in the Michaelis complex.

Engineering ribonucleoside triphosphate specificity in a thymidylyltransferase.

Nature's glycosylation catalysts, glycosyltransferases, indirectly manipulate and control many important biological processes by transferring sugar nucleotide donors onto acceptors. Challenging chemical synthesis impedes synthetic access to sugar nucleotides and limits the study of many glycosyltransferases. Enzymatic access to sugar nucleotides is a rapidly expanding avenue of research, limited only by the substrate specificity of the enzyme. We have explored the promiscuous thymidylyltransferase from Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cps2L, and enhanced its uridylyltransferase and guanidyltransferase activities by active site engineering. Mutagenesis at position Q24 resulted in a variant with 10-, 3-, and 2-fold enhancement of UDP-glucosamine, UDP-mannose, and UDP- N-acetylglucosamine production, respectively. New catalytic activities were observed for the Cps2L variant over the wild-type enzyme, including the formation of GDP-mannose. The variant was evaluated as a catalyst for the formation of a series of dTDP- and UDP-furanoses and notably produced dTDP-Gal f in 90% yield and UDP-Ara f in 30% yield after 12 h. A series of 3- O-alkylglucose 1-phosphates were also evaluated as substrates, and notable conversions to UDP-3- O-methylglucose and UDP-3- O-dodecylglucose were achieved with the variant but not the wild-type enzyme. The Q24S variant also enhanced essentially all thymidylyltransferase activities relative to the wild-type enzyme. Comparison of active sites of uridylyltransferases and thymidylyltransferases with products bound indicate the Q24S variant to be a new approach in broadening nucleotidylyltransferase activity.