Newly Engineered Bacterium can Produce Carminic Acid
Written by AZoMApr 7 2021
A team of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has designed a bacterium that can produce carminic acid—a natural red colorant that is extensively used in cosmetics and food.
A schematic biosynthetic pathway for the production of carminic acid from glucose. Biochemical reaction analysis and computer simulation-assisted enzyme engineering were employed to identify and improve the enzymes (DnrFP217K and GtCGTV93Q/Y193F) responsible for the latter two reactions. Image Credit: The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
The researchers have demonstrated the entire biosynthesis of carminic acid from glucose in a newly designed