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Biocatalyst for Production of a Nutraceutical to Treat Interstitial Cystitis

IP Title

Modification of The Xylan Utilization System For Production of Acidic Xylooligosaccharides From Lignocellulosics

Detailed Technology Description

None

Application Date

May 10, 2016

Others

*Abstract

Enables Production of Acidic Xylooligosaccharides with Greater Biological Activity for Use in Pentosan Polysulfate Production and as Human and Animal Nutraceuticals

This bacterial biocatalyst breaks down plant-based polysaccharides into molecules used in both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a pharmaceutical compound commonly used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis in humans and osteoarthritis in dogs, horses, and other animals. Manufacturers derive the compound from acidic xylooligosaccharides (U-XOS), precursors of PPS. However, available U-XOS production procedures often rely on chemical synthesis with low yield of final product, not suitable for commercial production.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a biocatalyst strain of Bacillus subtilis that converts the predominant polysaccharide in the hemicellulose fraction of plant biomass into acidic xylooligosaccharides. The new strain of B. subtilis was created without genetic engineering and is suitable for large-scale commercial applications. Preliminary studies demonstrate that the xylooligosaccharides formed by this biocatalyst have biological activity several-fold greater than at least one commercially available PPS.

Application

A biocatalyst for the commercial production of nutraceuticals used to make high-potency Pentosan Polysulfate, which treats interstitial cystitis, osteoarthritis, and some other inflammatory joint diseases

Advantages

• Catalyzes the formation of xylooligosaccharides with greater biological activity than those manufactured using chemical synthesis, enabling the production of pentosan polysulfate with higher potency
• Produces more biologically active xylooligosaccharides for nutraceutical applications, providing stronger prebiotic effects
• B. subtilis is a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) organism, providing increased assurance of safety for products intended for human ingestion
• Utilizes low-cost and readily available substrates, such as hemicellulose derived from hardwood trees, lowering production costs
• Easily modifies to make selected products from different plant sources, creating opportunities for customizing products

Technology

This strain of B. subtilis functions as a biocatalyst for producing neutral and acidic oligosaccharides. Researchers created the strain by deleting specific genes from a starting organism. The strain works by depolymerizing xylans (xylose-containing polysaccharides derived from agricultural crops) and converting them into oligosaccharide products.

*IP Publication Date

Oct 6, 2016

*Principal Investigator

Name: James Preston

Department:

Name: Franz St. John

Department:

Name: Jason Hurlbert

Department:

Name: Mun Rhee

Department:

Country/Region

USA