New food biotechnology related project starts up at VTT

Tuesday, 14 February 2012 11:29

VTT is participating in a project called “Molecular and functional characterizationof dextran production in Weissella spp. - Superior dextran producers for cereal applications (Wise-Dextran).The aim of the WISEDextran project is to improve understanding of the key factors dictating dextran synthesis in the high-dextran producing Weissella strains to enable controlled and enhanced production of dextrans with tailored properties for diverse applications. The production, properties, and use for in vitro dextran synthesis of dexransucrases will be also studied.

The project is divided in five workpackages: 1. Selection of high-dextran producing Weissella strains, 2. Molecular biology of dextran production, 3. Purification and characterization of dextransucrases, 4. Modelling of dextransucrase and dextran production, 5. Performance of Weissella spp. and dextransucrases in bran matrix, which will be carried out in a close collaboration between the consortium partners. The results will form the bases for the efficient industrial exploitation of Weissella species in future. The project also elucidates the hitherto unexplored ecological role of dextran synthesis in these bacteria.

Project is coordinated by Professor Maija Tenkanen from the University of Helsinki and VTT part is led by Dr Kati Katina. Project is done in collaboration with Indian research institute (Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, India) with Professor Arun Goyal. The WISEDextran project will be implemented in 2012-2014.

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