Enzymatic preparation of L‐α‐glycerylphosphorylcholine in an aqueous medium

L ‐α‐Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L ‐α‐GPC) was successfully prepared from phosphatidylcholine (PC) of food‐grade soy lecithin powder using a novel enzymatic reaction in an aqueous medium. 94.5% yield of L ‐α‐GPC was obtained under the optimal conditions of 55°C, 6.67 mg/mL substrate, 2 mM CaCl₂, and 33.4 U/mL phospholipase A₁ (Lecitase Ultra). L ‐α‐GPC at 98% purity, 73.4% (wt%) recovery, and specific rotation ( ) of ?2.5° was achieved by silica gel column chromatography. Owing to its excellent catalytic efficiency, low cost, and ready availability, phospholipase A₁ (Lecitase Ultra) provides a very satisfactory option for converting PC to L ‐α‐GPC. Practical applications: L ‐α‐Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L ‐α‐GPC) has been studied recently for its potential use as a supplement that may support neurological functions, but it is only found in trace amounts in nature. The present results indicate that Lecitase Ultra can be used for producing L ‐α‐GPC from aqueous PC and suggest encouraging prospects for practical or industrial applications utilizing its notable catalytic performance, economy, and convenience.