Chemoenzymatic synthesis of feruloyl D-arabinose as a potential anti-mycobacterial agent

The feruloyl esterase (StFaeC) produced by Sporotrichum thermophile transfered the feruloyl group to D-arabinose using a mixture of n-hexane, t-butanol and water. About 45% conversion of D-arabinose to the feruloylated derivative was achieved. The compound had an MIC value against Mycobacterium bovis BCG of 25 mu g/ml.