Cellotriose is a naturally occurring oligosaccharide composed of three β-D-glucose units linked sequentially by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Its chemical structure is described as β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-glucose, making it a glucotriose and an important building block produced during cellulose hydrolysis.
Structure and Composition
Cellotriose consists of three glucose molecules attached via β-1,4 linkages, characteristic of cellulose-derived oligosaccharides. Its molecular formula is C18H32O16, corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 504.4 g/mol. The β-1,4 linkages confer rigidity and resistance to enzymatic cleavage compared with α-linkages typically found in starch.
Biological Role and Occurrence
Cellotriose is primarily known as a hydrolysis product of cellulose and commonly appears as an intermediate during microbial degradation of plant biomass. It serves as a substrate or metabolic intermediate in bacteria capable of breaking down cellulose, contributing to natural carbon cycling. In biotechnological applications, it is also central to enzymatic studies involving cellulases and glucanases.
Applications
Cellotriose is widely used as a substrate in research focusing on cellulolytic enzymes and carbohydrate-active enzymes. Its role in biomass conversion processes makes it valuable in sustainable biofuel production and biorefinery developments. It also enables researchers to elucidate and optimize mechanisms involved in enzymatic cellulose depolymerization.
In summary, Cellotriose is a trisaccharide glucan composed of three β-1,4 linked glucose units, acting as a key intermediate in cellulose degradation and offering significant value in enzymatic research related to biomass breakdown and biofuel production.