Dekstraanisynteesin karakterisointi korkeatuottoisilla Weissella-kannoilla - avain räätälöityyn ja tehostettuun tuottoon viljamatriisissa (WISEDextran)

Funding: Academy of Finland
Collaboration: Dr. Kati Karina, Dr. Riikka Juvonen, VTT, Finland;
Prof. Arun Goyal, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, India
Project description:
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.