N-acetylglucosamine: production and applications.
N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a monosaccharide that usually polymerizes linearly through (1,4)-β-linkages. GlcNAc is the monomeric unit of the polymer chitin, the second most abundant carbohydrate after cellulose. In addition to serving as a component of this homogeneous polysaccharide, GlcNAc is also a basic component of hyaluronic acid and keratin sulfate on the cell surface. In this review, we discuss the industrial production of GlcNAc, using chitin as a substrate, by chemical, enzymatic and biotransformation methods. Also, newly developed methods to obtain GlcNAc using glucose as a substrate in genetically modified microorganisms are introduced. Moreover, GlcNAc has generated interest not only as an underutilized resource but also as a new functional material with high potential in various fields. Here we also take a closer look at the current applications of GlcNAc, and several new and cutting edge approaches in this fascinating area are thoroughly discussed.
Department of Environment and Biotechnology, Refining & Manufacturing Research Institute, CPC Corporation, 217 Min-Sheng S. Rd, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Jeen-Kuan
JK
Chen
Chia-Rui
CR
Shen
Chao-Lin
CL
Liu
D000117:Acetylglucosamine / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002686:Chitin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002688:Chitinases / Q000378:metabolism; D003358:Cosmetics; D005947:Glucose / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D003358:Cosmetics; D011134:Polysaccharides; D002686:Chitin; D002688:Chitinases; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid; D005947:Glucose; D000117:Acetylglucosamine