Microbial α-L-Rhamnosidases: Regioselective Biocatalysts for Flavonoid Biotransformation and Nutraceutical Applications
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microbial α-L-rhamnosidases are increasingly recognised as selective biocatalysts in food biotechnology, nutraceutical production, and health-related applications. These glycoside hydrolases catalyse the hydrolysis of terminal alpha-L-rhamnose residues from flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and other glycosylated natural products, thereby modulating sensory properties, solubility, intestinal absorption, and biological activity. While their traditional uses include debittering citrus juice and enhancing wine aroma, recent evidence demonstrates their wider value in selective flavonoid biotransformation, production of rare mono-glycosylated derivatives, probiotic fermentations, and microbiome-associated metabolism. This review summarises microbial sources, catalytic mechanisms, CAZy classification, substrate specificity, structure-function relationships, analytical methods, industrial process engineering, and emerging applications in functional foods and targeted nutraceutical applications. Particular attention is given to the distinction between alpha-(1→2)- and alpha-(1→6)-linked substrates, the production of isoquercitrin and prunin, recombinant enzyme platforms, immobilised biocatalysts, and potential future opportunities arising from metagenomics, synthetic biology, and AI-assisted protein engineering.
DOI: 10.3390/cimb48060625
Author: Massimo Iorizzo
Institution: University of Molise
Language: English
Subfield: Biotechnology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W7165029557