Novel Fructosyltransferases

The present invention describes two novel proteins having fructosyltransferase activity. Both enzymes are derived from lactobacilli, which are food-grade microorganisms with the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. One of these proteins produces an inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides, while the other produces a levan. According to the invention lactobacilli capable of producing an inulin and/or a levan and/or fructo-oligosaccharides using one or both of the fructosyltransferases can be used as a probiotic or a symbiotic

Fructosyltransferases of Lactobacillus reuteri : characterization of genes, enzymes, and fructan polymers

In prevous studies a screening of more than 180 lactobacilli for EPS production had been performed. This yielded only one strain producing large amounts of fructan (and a glucan) polymer, L.reuteri 121. The aim of this thesis was to gain insight in the molecular and biochemical processes underlying the synthesis of the levan polymer in L.reuteri 121. Zie: Chapter 1.