Abstract
Glucosamine (GlcN), an amino sugar, is a compound derived from substitution of a hydroxyl group of a glucose molecule with an amino group. GlcN and its acetylated derivative, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), have been widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries and are currently produced by acid hydrolysis of chitin (a linear polymer of GlcNAc) extracted from crab and shrimp shells. Microbial fermentation by filamentous fungi or recombinant Escherichia coli, as an alternative method for the production of GlcN and GlcNAc, is attracting increasing attention because it is an environmentally friendly process. Although the microbial production of GlcN and GlcNAc is hampered by low yield and high production cost, considerable advances have been made in recent years. Here we review the applications, commercial market, and production of GlcN and GlcNAc, with emphasis on the metabolic and process engineering strategies used to improve GlcN and GlcNAc production by recombinant microbes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
