Microbial Production of N-Acetylglucosamine

Description

N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) is an amino sugar that is an important constituent of many natural polysaccharides. N-acetylglucosamine is also a valuable pharmacological product and an important component of protein synthesis which has a positive effect on tissue regeneration in the animal and human body. N-acetylglucosamine is currently produced by the acetylation of glucosamine, a product of the acid hydrolysis of chitin. That process is limited by poor yields and the availability of raw materials such as crab shells. To overcome these limitations, strains of E. coli have been developed at BTR for the commercial production of N-acetylglucosamine by fermentation.

Advantages

Microbial fermentation, low cost
Shellfish allergen-free
No limitations on availability of raw materials

Applications/Markets

Nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds

Technology Status

Fermentation and recovery process technologies established and patented
Details of technology available under confidentiality

Patent Status

"Process and Materials for Production of Glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine" - US application 04/0091976 published on 5/13/04
"Process and Materials for Production of Glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine" - PCT application WO 04/003175 published on 1/8/04
"Process and Materials for Production of N-Glucosamine" - US 6,372,457 issued 4/16/02
"Process for Production of N-Glucosamine" - US application 02/0160459 published on 10/31/02
"Process and Materials for Production of N-Glucosamine" - PCT application WO 00/04182 published on 1/27/00
"Process for Production of N-Glucosamine" - PCT application WO 98/30713 published 7/16/98

Availability

Available for license

Contact

Reinhardt Rosson
Email: rrosson@biotechresources.com
Phone: 920-684-5518
Fax: 920-684-5519

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