Novel Bacterial Polysaccharides - Isis Project No 756

Application Areas

Modified celluloses for a wide range of industrial uses, e.g. food sector (e.g. thickening agents), medical applications (wound dressings & artificial skin), materials (filter membranes & special paper).

Background

Cellulose and modified celluloses are valuable industrial polymers. It is known that the precise structure of these products is important in determining their physical properties. Traditionally they are produced by chemical extraction methods applied to plants or by fermentation of Acetobacter, the only cellulose producing bacterium exploited by industry.

The Oxford Invention

Research has identified methods for identifying bacteria with latent abilities to produce cellulose-based polymers. In particular Pseudomonas fluorescens has been shown to contain genes coding for a substituted glucan polymer that are expressed in certain conditions. Knowledge of the genetic control of polymer production allows 'designer' polymers to be synthesised. P. fluorescens is easier to culture than Acetobacter and therefore not only provides a vehicle for an enhanced range of industrially useful polymers but also provides a superior production capability.

Applications

1. Novel modified celluloses
   The invention will enable the production of modified celluloses of known specific structure. This opens up possibilities for new designer polymer products for different industrial sectors.
   
   
2. Biofilm control
   In addition, by understanding the genetic control of exopolysaccharide synthesis this invention will enable regulation of the development of biofilms, this could, for example, alleviate problems in industrial plant in which biofouling occurs (e.g. paper making).
   
   
3. Isolation of polysaccharide- production bacterial strains
   The invention allows the development of a method for the isolation of bacterial strains (such as Pseudomonas and E. coli) capable of producing large amounts of a particular type of exopolysaccharide.

Commericalisation Opportunity

Patent applications are available for licensing and we are actively seeking partners for the commercial development of this technology.

Request Further Information: Project Number 756 - Novel Bacterial Polysaccharides