LIPOMAR
The LIPOMAR project aims to develop methods and techniques for the production of specialty chemicals from ubiquitous marine biomass such as macroalgae. Based on their chemical composition, macroalgae are an attractive third generation feedstock for oleo-chemicals and surfactants. Various enzymes are evaluated to hydrolyze the marine biomass and to get access to the enclosed carbohydrates. A combined metagenomic and proteomic approach will be carried out in the project, aiming to identify hydrolytic enzymes that are specific for the composition of macroalgae carbohydrates e.g. fucoidan.
The high molecular weight of fucoidans hampers its pharmacological activity. Furthermore, endo-fucoidanases are not readily available in the enzyme market as commercial product. Hence, identification of industry-applicable endo-fucoidanases is important for medical and chemical industry. In order to achieve this goal a functional-based proteomic approach is applied. Sugars and sugar acids (resulted from macro algae hydrolysing) is converted by oleaginous yeast into lipids and lipid derivatives. Subsequently, the resulting intermediates are converted into sustainable surfactants and oleo-chemicals by innovative biocatalytic procedures. One of the key task is the optimization of downstream processing of the lipid extraction using an innovative enzymatic-basic approach.
- Involved People: Mahmoud Masri
- Funding: BMBF
- Project Partners: 5