Process for preparing polyvalent and physiologically degradable carbohydrate-containing polymers by enzymatic glycosylation reactions and the use thereof for preparing carbohydrate building blocks

US6406894B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GLYCOREX AB · SE

Inventors

• Brigitte Hoersch · Kriftel, DE
• Michael Ahlers · Mainz, DE
• Gerhard Kretzschmar · Eschborn, DE
• Eckart Bartnik · Hochheim, DE
• Dick Seiffge · Hochheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 1997
• Grant date: Jun 18, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 11, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12P19/44
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for preparing polyvalent, physiologically degradable carbohydrate-containing polymers by enzymatic glycosylation reactions is described. The carbohydrate-containing polymers thus prepared may be used for preparing carbohydrate building blocks. The polyvalent carbohydrate-containing polymers of the invention cause no intolerance reactions in vivo, either in their intact form or in the form of degradation products. The carbohydrate side chain of the carbohydrate-containing polymer is assembled by enzymatic glycosylation reactions in homogeneous aqueous buffer systems directly on a biodegradable polymer. The yields of the glycosylation reaction are significantly improved over known processes, and are often quantitative. This also provides a significant increase in the loading densities. A process for preparing free oligosaccharides by means of the carbohydrate-containing polymers of the invention is also described.