Methods for forming structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates are
provided. Additionally, structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates
are provided. The structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates may be
formed by contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant
and a carbohydrate reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an
ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of
the organosilicon or carbohydrate reactant and alcohol functional groups
of the carbohydrate or organosilicon reactant. The enzyme may catalyze
the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide
functional groups of the organosilicon or carbohydrate reactant and amine
functional groups of the carbohydrate or organosilicon reactant.