Trehangelin —A Rare Natural Bioactive Compound Produced by Actinomycetes and the licensing of its production technology
Nagase Bio-Innovation Center has developed a technology to mass produce trehangelin, a rare natural bioactive compound, using N-STePP™.
What is Trehangelin?
Trehangelin (hereafter referred to as THG) is a rare compound in which two molecules of angelic acid are bound to trehalose (Figure 1).
It was discovered as a novel substance produced by a rare actinomycete isolated from the roots of Kingin-sou (Scrophularia ningpoensis), by Dr. Satoshi Ōmura, Distinguished Honorary Professor at Kitasato University, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.
Interestingly, this compound is known to promote plant growth, possibly due to its origin from microorganisms that coexist with plant roots. In fact, THG has been shown to increase chlorophyll content and enhance stem strength in Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach, Brassica rapa var. perviridis) (Figure 2). Moreover, THG has been reported to activate “autophagy”, a cellular self-cleaning system known to play important roles in maintaining the function of skin cells (Figure 3).
Despite its promising potential as a bioactive compound in agriculture and personal care, the amount obtainable from microorganisms is extremely limited, posing a major challenge for practical application.
Mass Production via N-STePP™
To overcome this challenge, Nagase & Co., Ltd. has been working since 2016 to develop mass production technology using its proprietary streptomyces-based production platform, N-STePP™.
As a result, we have successfully developed a method that increases the production efficiency of the natural strain by approximately 1,000 times (Figure 4).
Toward Social Implementation
The Nagase Bio-Innovation Center holds patents for the composition of THG and its production method and is seeking collaborative development partners interested in licensing. Through partnerships with those interested in high-yield production and functionality of THG, we aim to commercialize this rare and beneficial compound and contribute to a sustainable society.
If your company is interested in this technology, please feel free to contact us at the inquiry form:
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