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Production, Isolation, and Characterisation of Carotenoids from Engineered Rhodothermus marinus

Diederich, Nina LU (2025) KBTM01 20251
Biotechnology (MSc)
Biotechnology (M.Sc.Eng.)
Abstract
Extremophilic bacteria, like Rhodothermus marinus, hold promising potential to be used as non-model cell factories for the production of various metabolites, such as carotenoids or exopolysaccharides, due to their inherent adaptability to extreme environmental conditions. This study explores the production, isolation, and characterisation of carotenoids from an engineered R. marinus strain termed ’TK21’. The anticipated compound produced by said strain is glycosylated lycopene, which is thought to exhibit biosurfactant properties. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to verify the presence of these metabolites and assess structural variations. Additionally, enzymatic... (More)
Extremophilic bacteria, like Rhodothermus marinus, hold promising potential to be used as non-model cell factories for the production of various metabolites, such as carotenoids or exopolysaccharides, due to their inherent adaptability to extreme environmental conditions. This study explores the production, isolation, and characterisation of carotenoids from an engineered R. marinus strain termed ’TK21’. The anticipated compound produced by said strain is glycosylated lycopene, which is thought to exhibit biosurfactant properties. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to verify the presence of these metabolites and assess structural variations. Additionally, enzymatic transglycosylation reactions using cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGtase) were conducted using the model acceptor substrates piceid and crocin. Results indicate that glycosylated lycopene derivatives were produced, though ionisation challenges in MS detection required methodological optimisation. Enzymatic glycosylation reactions successfully modified piceid and crocin derivatives, suggesting the potential for biosurfactant development. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, like hot springs, are called extremophiles. The extremophile, Rhodothermus marinus, is known to survive high temperatures and harsh conditions, making it a promising candidate for industrial use. This thesis explores how genetically modified strains can be used to produce carotenoids —natural pigments with potential health and industrial benefits. The experimental work involved cultivating an engineered strain of R. marinus, extracting the carotenoids, and analysing them using advanced laboratory techniques. Additionally, the study explored the enzymatic modification of said carotenoids, aiming to enhance their biosurfactant properties. These modified carotenoids could be used as natural... (More)
Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, like hot springs, are called extremophiles. The extremophile, Rhodothermus marinus, is known to survive high temperatures and harsh conditions, making it a promising candidate for industrial use. This thesis explores how genetically modified strains can be used to produce carotenoids —natural pigments with potential health and industrial benefits. The experimental work involved cultivating an engineered strain of R. marinus, extracting the carotenoids, and analysing them using advanced laboratory techniques. Additionally, the study explored the enzymatic modification of said carotenoids, aiming to enhance their biosurfactant properties. These modified carotenoids could be used as natural ingredients in products like food, cosmetics, or environmentally friendly cleaning agents. This research helps pave the way for more sustainable production of valuable natural compounds using extreme, adaptable bacteria. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Diederich, Nina LU
supervisor
organization
course
KBTM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
rhodothermus marinus, carotenoids, lycopene, LC-MS, thermophiles, biotechnology
language
English
id
9198888
date added to LUP
2025-06-17 12:46:37
date last changed
2025-06-17 12:46:37
@misc{9198888,
  abstract     = {{Extremophilic bacteria, like Rhodothermus marinus, hold promising potential to be used as non-model cell factories for the production of various metabolites, such as carotenoids or exopolysaccharides, due to their inherent adaptability to extreme environmental conditions. This study explores the production, isolation, and characterisation of carotenoids from an engineered R. marinus strain termed ’TK21’. The anticipated compound produced by said strain is glycosylated lycopene, which is thought to exhibit biosurfactant properties. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to verify the presence of these metabolites and assess structural variations. Additionally, enzymatic transglycosylation reactions using cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGtase) were conducted using the model acceptor substrates piceid and crocin. Results indicate that glycosylated lycopene derivatives were produced, though ionisation challenges in MS detection required methodological optimisation. Enzymatic glycosylation reactions successfully modified piceid and crocin derivatives, suggesting the potential for biosurfactant development.}},
  author       = {{Diederich, Nina}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Production, Isolation, and Characterisation of Carotenoids from Engineered Rhodothermus marinus}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}