Greenland
-
The wide variety of microbial species living in the unique environment of the
ikaite columns are adapted to the alkaline (pH 10.4) and cold conditions (2-
6oC) of the interior. Up to one third of the bacterial species previously isolated
from the columns has been shown to belong to uncharacterized species.
Therefore, the environment offers a great potential for finding novel species
producing cold active and alkali stable enzymes that can be utilized in the food
and biotech industry.
The aim of this research is to isolate novel cold-active proteolytic enzymes from
psychrophilic microorganisms from the ikaite columns.
The goal is to find enzymes that can be used in cold processes to produce
bioactive peptides from protein sources such as milk and fish.
Biologically active peptides are derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of protein
molecules and are recognized for their beneficial properties on human health,
such as boosting natural immune system and reducing the risk of diseases e.g.
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and metabolic syndrome disorders
as well as inhibiting microbial activity.
Traditionally used proteolytic enzymes for the production of bioactive peptides
are most active between 35-40oC, which pose high risk for contamination with
pathogens or food-spoiling bacteria or organoleptic problems due to oxidation
of fatty acids.
Proteolytic enzymes from psychrophiles are cold active and therefore
overcome these problems. In addition, low-temperature industrial processes
are more environmentally friendly and energy saving.
the videos below provide further information
ikaite columns are adapted to the alkaline (pH 10.4) and cold conditions (2-
6oC) of the interior. Up to one third of the bacterial species previously isolated
from the columns has been shown to belong to uncharacterized species.
Therefore, the environment offers a great potential for finding novel species
producing cold active and alkali stable enzymes that can be utilized in the food
and biotech industry.
The aim of this research is to isolate novel cold-active proteolytic enzymes from
psychrophilic microorganisms from the ikaite columns.
The goal is to find enzymes that can be used in cold processes to produce
bioactive peptides from protein sources such as milk and fish.
Biologically active peptides are derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of protein
molecules and are recognized for their beneficial properties on human health,
such as boosting natural immune system and reducing the risk of diseases e.g.
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and metabolic syndrome disorders
as well as inhibiting microbial activity.
Traditionally used proteolytic enzymes for the production of bioactive peptides
are most active between 35-40oC, which pose high risk for contamination with
pathogens or food-spoiling bacteria or organoleptic problems due to oxidation
of fatty acids.
Proteolytic enzymes from psychrophiles are cold active and therefore
overcome these problems. In addition, low-temperature industrial processes
are more environmentally friendly and energy saving.
the videos below provide further information