Engineering microorganisms for the efficient synthesis of capsular polysaccharides and related enzymes

Authors
Williams, Asher
ORCID
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Other Contributors
Koffas, Mattheos A. G.
Linhardt, Robert J.
Hurley, Jennifer M.
Dordick, Jonathan S.
Issue Date
2020-05
Keywords
Chemical engineering
Degree
PhD
Terms of Use
This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.
Full Citation
Abstract
Heparin and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with many biological and physiological functions that contribute to their widespread utilization as anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs. These sulfated polysaccharides are primarily extracted and purified from animal tissues, where factors such as source material, manufacturing processes, and the presence of contaminants impact overall safety and biological and pharmacological efficacy. The past few years have seen an increased interest in the development of alternative GAG production methods, including chemical and chemo-enzymatic synthesis and biosynthesis from GAG-producing cells. As part of ongoing efforts to separate the food chain from the drug chain, we are engineering microbial metabolism in order to produce CS in Escherichia coli, and heparosan, a valuable precursor to heparin, in Bacillus megaterium.
Description
May 2020
School of Engineering
Department
Dept. of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Relationships
Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection
Access
Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.