Abstract:

The characterization of an alginate lyase, which was purified from Vibrio sp.  WYA, was studied.  This enzyme can specific ally degrade alginate to produce oligosaccharides, the oligosaccharides was separated by BioGel P6 column, and purified by Mono Q column.  The degree of polymerization and structure of these oligosaccharides were confirmed by HPTLC, ESIMS and NMR methods, respectively.  The results show that, all the oligosaccharides are trimers, and have structures of DGG, DMG and DMM, respectively. The minimal recognition and hydrolysis fragment of this enzyme is hexasaccharide, and the degradation site occurred on the non\|reducing end mannuronic acid of the polysaccharide.  The degradation mechanism of this kind of enzyme is very unique, and very useful for the alginate structure analysis, and alginate trisaccharides preparation. 

Key words: Alginate; Oligasaccharide; Alginate lyase; Vibrio sp. WYA; Trisaccharide degradation mechanism