CHROMADEX, INC.
Grant: $99,999 - National Science Foundation - Jun. 7, 2009
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Award Description: This SBIR Phase I project 'Microbial Production of Selected Anthocyanins' aims to establish cost-effective methodologies for the efficient production of anthocyanins from genetically engineered bacteria. Anthocyanins are plant secondary metabolites that are mainly responsible for the colors in plant tissues, primarily reds, purples and blues. They are non-toxic and have been observed to possess antioxidant, anticancer and antiinflammatory activities, thus making them attractive candidates in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and food colorants industries. As the benefits of anthocyanins continue to gain definition, the demand for these compounds is growing exponentially. Unfortunately, the cost of attaining pure or well defined mixtures of anthocyanins using conventional techniques outweighs the potential market return. By using engineered microbes, large batches of selected anthocyanins can theoretically be produced, making compound isolation efficient and cost effective. The broader impacts of this research are to produce cost-effective natural and non-natural anthocyanins, whose health benefits can be investigated; allow students to participate and train in the ongoing development of a microbial production platform; foster a collaboration between a U.S. academic institution and a U.S. company, and contribute to the expansion of a small specialty chemical company. This project will utilize students to create a biosynthetic system that will produce a vast array of anthocyanins. As these compounds are attained they will be moved to the market place, where they can be further researched by academia, industry and governmental agencies.
Project Description: See Award Description for project details. Towards achieving the specific aims of the project, the necessary personnel are in place and research is underway.
Jobs Summary: The Microbiologist Scientist hired for this project will work to fine tune the fermentation experiments to produce the selected anthocyanins and the develop the process for production of the anthocyanins. At the subreceipient site, two graduate students will be working on the identification of transporters that enhance production of anthyocyanins when overexpressed or deleted and on the identification of knock-out targets for improving UDP-glucose availability in order to further enhance production. (Total jobs reported: 3)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jun. 7, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
Funds from this award have been disbursed to sub-grantees. Click here to see a list of sub-grantees.
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