EU research project uses enzymes to add sugar molecules to medicines
Glycosylation can improve function of antibiotics and vitamins
A European Union-funded research project is creating new manufacturing processes using enzymes to add sugar molecules to medicines, including antibiotics and vitamins.
The European Commission said this process, called glycosylation, can often improve their function and make Vitamin C, for example, last much longer in storage.
Researchers in the Novosides project will ‘develop biocatalysts with potentially large-scale applications in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries,’ the EC said. The project will develop biocatalytic processes for the glycosylation of molecules such as flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids. And while adding sugar molecules can drastically improve their physicochemical and biological properties, the EC said few biocatalysts can currently cause glycosylation at industrial scales.
Novosides researchers have already identified 50 enzymes for further study. For example, one creates easily dissolvable glycosylated quercetin, a plant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant molecule. Project partners include Carbosynth, based in Compton, Berkshire, UK.
The University of Ghent’s centre for industrial biotechnology and biocatalysis in Belgium is coordinating the project.
