Water-soluble cellulose oligomer production by chemical and enzymatic synthesis: a mini-review

Abstract

This mini‐review focuses on the production of water‐soluble cellulose oligomers. They are easier to handle than cellulose while still having some very interesting cellulose features. Their production is not trivial and they are thus seldom commercially available or are available at high prices and only in small quantities (100 mg or less). The goal of this mini‐review is to describe various routes to obtain these cellulose oligomers. Several examples of chemical or enzymatic synthesis and enzymatic or acidic depolymerization are presented. All the pathways considered are then compared according to several criteria: polymerization degree, yield, availability and cost of reagents, reaction time, etc. As most of the pathways produce a mixture of cellulose oligomers, techniques to separate them according to their length are also discussed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Soluble Cello‐Oligosaccharides Produced by Carbon‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Cellulose

“…Animal studies have shown that adding cello‐oligosaccharides to the feed of calves causes fewer incidences of gastrointestinal infections and reduces the use of antibiotics . Cello‐oligosaccharides also have the potential to act as a non‐digestible prebiotic that can reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases in humans by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacterial species in the gastrointestinal tract . Thus, cello‐oligosaccharides can provide multiple benefits to the agricultural and healthcare industries.…”

“…Cellobiose, containing two glucose units, is the only commercially available cello‐oligosaccharide. Higher cello‐oligosaccharides are produced in small amounts and are up to 500 times more expensive . Commercial application of cello‐oligosaccharides is not feasible until a cost‐effective process is developed for their synthesis.…”

Three‐Enzyme Phosphorylase Cascade for Integrated Production of Short‐Chain Cellodextrins

“…To further develop their promising applications, the soluble cellodextrins must be produced efficiently at large scale. Reported routes for their preparation are based upon depolymerization of cellulose or bottom‐up synthesis . Chemical and enzymatic methods are known for both types of route .…”

“…Reported routes for their preparation are based upon depolymerization of cellulose or bottom‐up synthesis . Chemical and enzymatic methods are known for both types of route . Control of the product DP is essential and remains a challenge .…”

“…[15,16] Chemical and enzymatic methods are known for both types of route. [11,[17][18][19][20][21] Control of the product DP is essential and remains a challenge. [22][23][24] Robust process technology fit for the bulk production of soluble cellodextrins is currently lacking.…”