CP-Ester

Cyanophycin production with a novel biocatalyst and functionalization for improved material properties

01/03/2024 to 29/02/2028

Cyanophycin (Multi-L-Arginyl-Poly-L-Aspartat) is a nitrogen-rich biopolymer, produced by various bacteria, in particular by cyanobacteria. Our group has developed cyanophycin overproducing cyanobacterial strains. However, the biotechnological application of cyanophycin is restricted by its poor solubility and its amorphous structure. recently we succeeded in derivatizing cyanophycin through esterification into a highly promising novel polycationic polymer with manyfold application options. In this project we want to systematically investigate the various application options of this novel polymer. This will contribute to establish a platform for recycling waste-streams from industry and contribute to a sustainable Bioeconomy. We expect that we will identify highly promising properties of the novel cyanophycin esters for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, which will have a long-lasting impact on the technological, ecological and economical level.