BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTION OF PROSTAGLANDINS

The metabolism of 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid, by prostaglandin H synthase results in a wide range of oxidized products with potent biological activities. Among these me tabolites, a group of compounds called prostaglandins has drawn the at tention of both scientists and medical practitioners. Prostaglandins c an be manufactured from polyunsaturated fatty acids with the help of e nzymes from mammals. The yield of the desired prostaglandin can be inc reased by means of various activators, enzyme recycling, immobilised e nzymes or semibatch processes with either continuous or stepwise addit ion of the substrate.