Fully defined, third-generation chitosan oligomers produced via enzymatic synthesis
Scalable enzymatic production of structurally defined chitosan oligomers with precise control over degree of polymerisation, fraction of acetylation, and pattern of acetylation. These well-characterised bioactive oligomers enable reproducible research and product development in agriculture, biomedicine, food, and cosmetics.
Overview
Chitosan oligomers are short chains derived from chitosan, a natural polymer obtained from crustacean shell waste. Their biological activity is critically determined by their fine structure, including the degree of polymerisation (chain length), the fraction of acetylation (how many acetyl groups remain), and the pattern of acetylation (how those groups are distributed along the chain). Conventional chemical production methods struggle to control these parameters precisely, resulting in heterogeneous mixtures that limit reproducibility in research and commercial applications.
This offering addresses that limitation through enzymatic production using well-characterised recombinant enzymes. The approach delivers fully defined, third-generation chitosan oligomers with reproducible structural specifications, enabling consistent bioactivity profiles across batches. Potential applications span agriculture (for example, as elicitors of plant defence), biomedicine (wound healing, antimicrobial coatings, drug delivery), food preservation, and cosmetics (skin care, hair care).
Technical specifications
Production method:
- Enzymatic synthesis using well-characterised recombinant enzymes
- Scalable process suitable for larger production volumes
- Full structural control over degree of polymerisation, fraction of acetylation, and pattern of acetylation
Key advantages over chemical production:
- Defined and reproducible product specifications
- Consistent bioactivity tied to precise structural parameters
- Scalable manufacturing pathway suitable for industrial translation
- Sustainable use of crustacean shell waste as raw material
Technology readiness level
The technology leverages well-characterised recombinant enzymes for enzymatic oligomer production, an approach that is inherently scalable compared to chemical alternatives. The research is positioned at a stage where structural control and reproducibility have been established as the core value proposition, making the oligomers suitable for downstream validation studies and partnership-driven product development.
About University of Münster
The University of Münster is a large comprehensive public research university in Germany with broad basic and applied research and an international outlook. Companies engage through collaborative research agreements, shared labs, and access to advanced instrumentation, with a co-located university hospital enabling clinical studies and translation. A nearby technology park, regional industry networks in North Rhine-Westphalia, and cross-border ties to the Netherlands support joint development, prototyping, and talent pipelines. Research is supported by competitive funding from the German Research Foundation, federal ministries, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and European programs. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, and startup formation, providing a single point of entry for industry.
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