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Project

Novel potent miniDNases in biotechnogical, industrial and medical applications

Although nucleic acids are the building blocks of the genetic material that is present in every living cell, their presence has been the cause of various problems: In the industrial fermentations, the recovery and purification of valuable bioproducts is complicated by the release of chromosomal microbial DNA, which increases the lysate viscosity. Since DNA is also an essential component of many bacterial biofilms, eDNA presents a challenge in many industrial branches. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is also a key problem linked to infection- and medical device-associated biofilms (e.g. CF), and to the activated coagulation, inflammation and organ damage associated with sepsis and strokes. Our recently patented family of miniDNase enzymes degrade eDNA and are extremely small and highly stable under various conditions. MiniDNases represent a breakthrough in terms of currently available enzymes in this field. This project brings together research experts in the stepwise exploitation of these enzymes in biotechnology, industry and for biomedical applications.
Date:1 Sep 2018 →  30 Sep 2020
Keywords:industrial fermentations, biofilm, antimicrobial
Disciplines:Microbiology