Objective Gossypol and its derivatives are active compounds due to their high interferon inducing ability in organisms. Using existing technologies, it is not possible to obtain gossypol in a native enantiomer form, which hinders its use in pharmaceutical industries. The main objective of this project is to develop a novel technology to produce high yields of native gossypol and synthesize new derivatives. To achieve this objective, we aim to (1) develop new methods to isolate gossypol glands from cotton seeds, (2) isolate and characterize the carbohydrate components of gossypol glands, (3) select the active cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase producing microbes, (4) produce the above enzymes in bulk quantities and optimize the conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of gland carbohydrates, (5) improve native gossypol yield by extraction after enzyme treatment, (6) evaluate the enantiomer composition of native gossypol and its physical and chemical constants, (7) synthesize new gossypol derivatives having high interferon inducing activity. Also, we aim to integrate scientific and technical expertise from INTAS and NIS countries in order to exchange information and technology in a most effective manner. The consortium includes two INTAS and three NIS partners. The multidisciplinary approach brings expertise from plant cell wall enzymology, carbohydrate chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, physical chemistry, cotton seed technology, engineering and biotechnology. All research partners are highly qualified and well experienced in their field of research and will contribute effectively for the successful completion of this project. The collaboration will also facilitate the visit of several young researchers from NIS countries to INTAS partners' laboratories to carry out research and obtain the state of art training. Initially, new methods to obtain gossypol glands from cotton seed cores will be developed. The structural components of gossypol glands will be isolated and characterized. Simultaneously, the micro-organisms causing cell wall degradation in cotton seed cores will be selected and their ability to produce highly active enzymes evaluated. Using the best micro-organisms, bulk quantities of pure highly active enzymes produced. Isolated gossypol glands after its primary de-oiling will be treated with enzymes before extracting the native gossypol. The effect of pure enzymes or its combinations on gossypol gland cell shells destruction and productivity of native gossypol yields investigated. Also, native gossypol obtained will be evaluated by its enantiomer ratio, physicochemical constants and interferon inducing activity. On the basis of native gossypol a new water-soluble supramolecular complexes will be synthesized and interferon inducing activity investigated. Thus, this project will provide novel technologies for the isolation of native gossypol and producing new highly effective medicines for the well being of humans around the World. Keywords Biologically Active Compounds Enzyme Function Proteins Structure-Activity Relationship Programme(s) IC-INTAS - International Association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the independent states of the former Soviet Union (INTAS), 1993- Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator UNIVERSITÀ DI MILANO EU contribution No data Address VIA CELORIA, 26 MILANO Italy See on map Total cost No data Participants (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all INSTITUTE OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY Uzbekistan EU contribution No data Address KH. ABDULLAEV AV., 83 TASHKENT See on map Total cost No data INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL SCIENCES Kazakhstan EU contribution No data Address SH. VALIKHANOVA, 106 ALMATY See on map Total cost No data INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS Uzbekistan EU contribution No data Address F. KHODJAEV, 33 TASHKENT See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSITEIT GHENT Belgium EU contribution No data Address K. L. LEDEGANCKSTRAAT, 35 GHENT See on map Total cost No data
