- Coordination
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Prof. O. Sawodny
Center Systems Biology
University of Stuttgart - Funding Period:
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01.06.2008 - 31.05.2011
- Project description:
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The photosynthetic, non-sulphur purple bacteria, Rhodospirillum rubrum, due to their high levels of intracytoplasmic membranes (ICM) , are promising organisms for the production valuable apolar compounds such as carotenoids, Q10 and lipids. As we have developed a special medium, which maximizes the membrane production under dark, semi-aerobic conditions, we have a very good chance produce the preferred products in an efficient way. In this project we optimize the metabolism of the bacteria and the fermentation parameters, by a combination of modelling and experimental design, to achieve the best yield of carotenoids, as well as maximizing the production of Q10 and valuable lipids. We use also genetic engineering of the endogenous carotenoid biosynthesis pathway genes to produce the industrially relevant carotenoids, lycopene, -carotene, astaxanthin) as primary products.
- Partner:
- R. Ghosh
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Institute of Biology (Department of Bioenergetics), CSB, University of Stuttgart (DE)
- O. Sawodny, M. Ederer
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Institute for System Dynamics, (ISYS), CSB, University of Stuttgart (DE)
- H. Grammel
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Max-Planck-Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg (DE)