Abstract: L-pentoses as high-value rare sugar are used as important chiral lead molecules for the synthesis of antiviral drugs. Microbial synthesis or their enzymatic biocatalysis is attractive technological tools for the production of unnatural and rare monosaccharides. In the present study，the development of producing L-pentoses using microorganisms and their enzymes was reviewed，and the market perspectives of these compounds were presented.

摘要： L-戊糖是高价值的稀有糖，是制备抗病毒药物的重要手性前体分子。微生物合成或者酶生物催化是生产非天然稀有单糖的富有吸引力的技术手段，本文综述了微生物及酶法合成几种稀有L-戊糖的研究进展，展望了稀有L-戊糖的市场前景。