Improving glycerol utilization in E.coli for heme biosynthesis

Heme is a naturally occurring molecule found in our blood and as well as in animals, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout our body. Interestingly, heme has been commercially used in various products such as in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food. The traditional production of heme however often involves animal slaughter and harsh chemical processing, which is costly and ultimately limits other potential applications. The proposed project will investigate a different method of producing heme by fermenting microorganisms; much in the same way that beer, wine, and insulin are made. Specifically, the proposal will explore the use of cheaper starting material to be converted/fermented into heme using common industry-grade microbes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Roberto Botelho

Student:

Ralph Christian Delos Santos

Partner:

BioFect Innovations

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Ryerson University