Production of isofloridoside from galactose and glycerol using α-galactosidase from Alicyclobacillus hesperidum

•First, a potentially effective method for producing isofloridoside by α-galactosidase catalyzed reverse hydrolysis of galactose and glycerol is developed.•Second, a novel α-galactosidase (AHGLA) from Alicyclobacillus hesperidum was achived to synthesize isofloridoside from galactose and glycerol.•Third, In the optimum biotransformation conditions, the final isofloridoside concentration reached 0.45 M (galactose conversion 23%).