Horn corals of the species Antillogorgia elisabethae produce antibiotic natural substances. A research team at TUM has successfully produced one of these substances in the laboratory.
Image: Thomas Brück / TUM
Sustainable biotechnological production of a natural substance against tuberculosis
Natural antibiotic from the biotechnological laboratory
Together with his team at the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, he has now managed for the first time to produce one of the sea whip’s active agents in the laboratory – without the need for a single reef inhabitant. The molecule “erogorgiaene” is an antibiotic. Initial bioactivity tests show, that it is suitable for fighting multi-resistant tuberculosis pathogens.
Previously, a use of the active agent was almost unthinkable: The sea whip contains only extremely small quantities of erogorgiaene and is additionally protected – using it as a raw material source would be neither financially feasible nor ecologically responsible. Although production via conventional chemical synthesis is possible, it is complex and associated with toxic waste. A kilo of the active agent would cost around EUR 21,000.
Sustainable biotechnology reduces the production costs
“However, with biotechnological methods, a consolidated erogorgiaene production is feasible, in a more environmentally friendly manner and much cheaper. With this method, the production costs per kilo would only be around EUR 9,000,” emphasizes Brück.
The new method, which he has developed together with colleagues from Berlin, Canada, and Australia, consists of only two steps: The main work is done by genetically optimized bacteria that feed on glycerin – a residual substance from biodiesel production.
The bacteria generate a molecule, that can then be converted into the desired active agent using a highly selective enzymatic step. No waste is produced in the process, as all ancillary products can be reused in a circular manner. A patent has been filed for the innovative production method.
Bioactive product development along the lines of nature
“The new technology platform for the production of bioactive natural products via biotechnological methodologies complies with all 12 criteria of Green Chemistry,” says Thomas Brück. “In addition, it fulfills four of the UN Sustainability Goals: a healthy life for all, combating climate change and its effects, preservation and sustainable use of the oceans and maritime resources, and preservation of life on land.”
The research team is now working on the biotechnological production of another coral active agent: Using nature as a model, the molecule erogorgiaene is to be converted into the active agent pseudopteropsin in the laboratory.
Medical professionals are placing great hope on the latter: Clinical studies have shown that pseudopteropsin inhibits inflammations thanks to a new mechanism of action. Thus, it is a potential therapeutic candidate to control excessive inflammatory reactions, for example in the case of viral infections, such as Covid-19, or during age-related chronic inflammations.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Pseudopteropsin
- Feed has no items.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Pseudopteropsin
No news articles
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Tuberculosis
- Innovative Tuberculosis Case Finding Interventions: Lessons From the Field
Strategy aims to end the global TB epidemic by 2035. According to the 2020 Global TB WHO report, it was estimated that 9.9 million people fell ill with TB, however just 5.8 million cases were reported ...
- UVA doctors fighting Tuberculosis around the world
Doctors at the University of Virginia School of Medicine are trying to better understand Tuberculosis in order to treat and prevent the disease.
- Davos booster for $18 billion fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria
A global health fund has raised a third of the $18 billion it says is needed to reverse setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic and combat AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
- Person tests positive for tuberculosis at St. Charles County middle school
A person has tested positive for active tuberculosis at Hollenbeck Middle School in St. Charles County, according to the county’s Department of Public Health.
- Individual at St. Charles County middle school tests positive for tuberculosis
An individual at a St. Charles County middle school has tested positive for tuberculosis. On Monday, county health officials announced that an individual at Hollenback Middle School had been diagnosed ...