Pythium Omega-3 Desaturase for High-Purity DHA Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing polyunsaturated long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, are inefficient and often result in low yields and mixtures of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, with existing desaturases unable to effectively convert C20- and C22-polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-6 pathway to their corresponding omega-3 counterparts.
Innovation Solution
A polynucleotide encoding an omega-3 desaturase from Pythium irregulare is used, capable of converting omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids into their omega-3 counterparts, specifically introducing a double bond at the omega-3 position, allowing for the production of DHA and other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing desaturases are used to convert omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids, then some conversion occurs, but the conversion efficiency is low and the purity of omega-3 products is poor due to inability to effectively process C20- and C22-polyunsaturated fatty acids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of substrate specificity by introducing a novel desaturase enzyme with altered active site characteristics that specifically recognizes and processes C20- and C22-omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, converting them to omega-3 forms with high efficiency and purity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes a specific gene sequence from Pythium irregulare that encodes the novel desaturase enzyme, isolating this genetic element to achieve selective conversion of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids without the limitations of existing desaturases
2Quantity of substance
If conventional methods are used to produce polyunsaturated long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, then production occurs, but the yield is low and mixtures of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The novel desaturase enzyme exhibits universal activity toward multiple C20- and C22-omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates (arachidonic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, docosatetraenoic acid), converting all of them to their corresponding omega-3 products with high efficiency, thereby increasing both yield and purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microbial desaturase enzyme as an intermediary catalyst to mediate the conversion reaction from omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, enabling efficient and selective transformation that conventional methods cannot achieve
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the efficient production of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, by shifting the metabolic pathway from omega-6 to omega-3, achieving high conversion efficiency and purity in transgenic organisms.
Implementation Method 1
A polynucleotide encoding an omega 3 desaturase from Pythium irregulare, capable of converting omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids into their omega 3 counterparts, specifically introducing a double bond at the omega 3 position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding an omega 3 (ω-3) desaturase from Pythium irregulare with specificity to long chain polyunsaturated omega 6 (ω-6) fatty acids as well as a vector containing the polynucleotide, and a host cell containing the vector or the polynucleotide. Moreover, the present invention pertains to a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide, antibodies against the polypeptide as well as a method for the manufacture of the polypeptide. Further, encompassed by the present invention are transgenic non-human organisms. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for the manufacture of compounds and oil-fatty acid-, or lipid-containing compositions.