Pharmaceutical Production by Immobilized Cells

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ABSTRACT NARRATIVE Description: This proposal supports the collaboration of Dr. Robert W. Coughlin, University of Connecticut and Drs. A. Halim M.M. El-Sayed and Wafaa M. Mahmoud of Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. Each Egyptian scientist is a holder of a Peace Fellowship, which will enable them to spend about five months at the University of Connecticut working with the Dr. Coughlin. Project funding will allow (1) an extension of their stay, if appropriated for the progress of their research, (2) permit them to return to Egypt to work and then to return to Connecticut a second time to continue project work and (3) enable the P.I. to visit Zagazig University to work with them a third period. The collaboration is using immobilized microbial cells for producing dextran, a blood plasma expander, and ephedrine, a widely used therapeutic drug. New immobilization method, new immobilization carriers and new production technologies are being investigated. Dr El-Sayed is working on production of dextran from sucrose, while Dr. Mahmoud will work on production of the therapeutic drug, L-ephedrine. The proposed research efforts of the two Egyptian scientists will introduce technology for the production of two important drugs into Egypt and could lead to the development of their production in that country to benefit the Egyptian population that might not otherwise have access to these efficacious drugs. Scope: This proposal will bring together scientific research scientists from the universities of two countries working in the area of microbial transformations and immobilization of enzymes and cells. The development of scientific skills and research methods will be translated from the U.S. to Egypt, first to Zagazig University and if successful, then to local Egyptian production of two important drugs, one a plasma expander and the second, a therapeutic. This research will require the development of new general knowledge and procedures for immobilizing cells and designing biocatalysts and associated bioreactors. This proposal fulfills objectives of the Science in Developing Countries Program in its exchange and transfer of scientific knowledge through a international collaboration.