Polysaccharide molecular engineering. the use of mannuronan c-5 epimerases for the upgrading of alginates and artificial heteromannuronans.

Objective

POLYENG aims at developing a set of highly efficient biomolecules, alginates and other uronic acid containing biopolymers, with a wide variety of programmable properties designed for advanced drug delivery systems or as encapsulation matrix for cells. The technology is based on a unique set of recently discovered polymer modifying C-5 epimerases with capacity to introduce sites for cooperative ion binding into soluble polyuronates. Through enzymatic modification we will control the sequential structure of these polymers and thus tailor their properties essential to their use as gel matrices in pharmaceuticals drug delivery, in bioreactors, and cell therapeutic systems. POLYENG will develop these enzymes from bacteria and algae into robust tools. The epimerisation process will be optimised and the structure and functional properties of the new materials will be evaluated both on molecular bases and in applications.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-3. - Key action The "Cell factory"

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Address

Alfred Getz Vei 2B
7941 Trondheim
Norway

Participants (5)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Place George Tessier
29682 Roscoff

FMC Biopolymer AS

Norway

Address

Tomtegata 36
Drammen

RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE (UK) LTD

United Kingdom

Address

Bath Road 103-105
SL1 3UH Slough

UNIVERSITY OF ROME "LA SAPIENZA"

Italy

Address

2,Piazzale Aldo Moro 5
00185 Roma

UPPSALA UNIVERSITY

Sweden

Address

3,Husargatan 3
751 23 Uppsala