Bioconversion, genetically engineered

Scopolamine is a more costly derivative of atropine it has an epoxide function (6). Therefore, many studies concern the bioconversion of atropine (/-hyoscyamine) to scopolamine. The isolation of the enzymes involved and the subsequent cloning of the genes open new avenues for the production of scopolamine, either by genetic engineering of plants or by introducing the gene(s) responsible into microorganisms which could then effectively perform the desired bioconversion. 

For biosynthesis and genetic regulation, see The use of genetically engineered strains of Strepto-myces avermitilis and bioconversion are gaining significance for the preparation of new A. derivatives. Detection Quantitative determination of A. in animal food, forms of administration, and biological samples by HPLC °. 

Finally, the non-renewability of petroleum will eventually provide an opportunity for chemicals from biomass. Much of the transformation for this purpose will be microbiological and the raw materials will be carbohydrate polymers. Here the impact of the new biology in the form of genetic engineering for optimized yield and process promises exciting new concepts in chemical production. Bioconversion processes already represent economically feasible methods for producing basic organic chemicals based on renewable raw materials. 

Whereas the fermentation of glucose can be carried out efficiently, the bioconversion of the pentose fraction out of lignocellulosic feedstocks and residues presents a challenge. A lot of attention has therefore been focused on genetically engineering strains that can efficiently utilize both glucose and pentose and convert them to useful compounds. The metabolic engineering objectives so far have... 

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