Production, characterisation, and purification of immune-stimulating oligosaccharides from fungal biomass
2021 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
In this project, oligomers from the linear β-1,6-glucan pustulan were produced using the enzyme β-1,6-glucanase. These oligosaccharides have potential commercial value as analytical standards in biochemical research, or as bioactive molecules in biomedical products. Before such oligosaccharides can be tested or used for these purposes, an efficient and time-/cost-effective bioproduction process must be developed, using sustainable chemical-free techniques wherever possible. In order to accomplish this, the starting material first had to be characterised in regards to molecular weight, linkage, degree of acetylation, monosaccharide composition, and water content, in order for us to fully understand the profile and yields of oligomers generated. The enzymatic reaction was optimised and scaled up from 1ml to 50ml. The oligomers were then purified using size exclusion chromatography and characterised. The results show a multitude of oligomers from mono- to octamers with varying degrees of acetylation can be produced, with the relative majority being tetramers. The ability to separate these oligomers with the methods used was proven successful although a longer column or multiple passes would be required for a complete separation. This project confirms the feasibility of generating β-1,6-glucan oligomers using the enzyme under investigation, and gives recommendations for further optimisations of the process.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2021.
Series
TRITA-CBH-GRU ; 2021:282
Keywords [en]
Oligomer, Pustulan, Sugar characterisation
National Category
Industrial Biotechnology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-309614OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-309614DiVA, id: diva2:1642804
Subject / course
Biotechnology
Educational program
Master of Science - Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology
Supervisors
Examiners
2022-03-082022-03-082022-06-25