BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-3140 - Application of novel inhibitors from microorganisms: a new bioprocess for the production of 'green' agrochemicals

FAIR-CT96-3140
Application of novel inhibitors from microorganisms: a new bioprocess for the production of 'green' agrochemicals

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Biological Conversion : FAIR Area 2.2 - Bioprocessing : Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-3140
	Total Cost	1,500,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	750,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/10/1997
	Duration	36 Months

Application of novel inhibitors from microorganisms: a new bioprocess for the production of 'green' agrochemicals

Objectives

At present, the detrimental effects of the senescence-hormone ethylene on horticultural produce are combatted by pretreatment of ornamental produce or by spraying fruit trees with various chemicals. This way, senescence is suppressed and the keepability of the produce is increased creating extended opportunities for storage, transport and processing. The object of this research is to replace these, often persistent, chemicals by alternative, environmentally friendly agents. Vinylglycines, produced by different microorganisms, have been shown to suppress ethylene biosynthesis and to possess antimicrobial activity. These compounds and various analogues, which are not commercially available in large amounts, will be produced on a large scale and tested for economical exploitation in the fruit and ornamental horticultural industry.

Technical Approach

The approaches employed to increase the production of vinylglycines and design a large scale bioprocess are:

improving fermentation based on physiological parameters
strain improvement by genetic engineering
technical adjustments of the fermentation system to enhance product recovery

For the development of novel vinylglycine analogues a combination of molecular modelling based on structure-function relationships, biochemical and analytical techniques to elucidate the biosynthetic pathways, and chemical modifications will be employed. Application parameters of vinylglycines on horticultural produce will include determination of biological activity, formulation conditions, and testing of toxic and mutagenic properties.

Results to Date

Microbial production of decigrams of a vinylglycine (VG), rhizobitoxine, has been achieved by optimising fermentation conditions. In order to produce large amounts of VG, strains will be improved by genetic modification. Genes involved in AVG biosynthesis have been cloned. Novel ACC synthase inhibitors have been designed and chemically synthesised. The biological activity of natural VG and novel inhibitors have been and will be studied in newly developed test systems. Application of natural VG on horticultural produce decreased ethylene production and improved product quality.

Fermentation system for production of vinylglycines

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