IP Library Granted Patent US 9,365,877
Granted Patent B2
US 9,365,877 · App. 14/342,582 · Granted Jun 14, 2016

Preparation of process of L-methionine

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,365,877
App. No.
14/342,582
Granted
Jun 14, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing L-methionine using a bio-synthesis process and a specific enzymatic process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for producing L-methionine with high yield by enzyme conversion reaction from L-methionine precursor in the presence of methyl mercaptan (CH 3 SH). The process of the present invention enables selective production of L-methionine which may be used in various fields of industry, such as feed- and food-additives, as raw material for medical supplies, pharmaceutical drugs, and the like.

Claims (21)

1. A process comprising enzymatic converting of an L-methionine precursor with methyl mercaptan in a reaction vessel to obtain L-methionine, wherein the methyl mercaptan partial pressure in the reaction vessel over the reaction medium ranges from 10 kPA to 180 kPA, at the reaction temperature, and wherein the enzyme used for the enzymatic converting is cystathionine-γ-synthase or O-acetyl homoserine sulfhydrylase or O-succinyl homoserine sulfhydrylase.

2. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction temperature ranges from 20° C. to 45° C.

3. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the L-methionine precursor is chosen from among O-succinyl homoserine (OSHS) and O-acetyl homoserine (OAHS).

4. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the enzyme used for the enzymatic converting is prepared using expression of genes according to biotechnological processes.

5. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the enzyme used for the enzymatic converting is obtained from a strain of Pseudomonas sp., Chromobacterium sp., Leptospira sp. or Hyphomonas sp..

6. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the pH of the reaction is maintained between 6 and 7.

7. Process according to claim 1 , wherein a co-enzyme is added, said co-enzyme being pyridoxal-5′-phosphate.

8. Process for the preparation of L-methionine comprising the steps of:

1) preparing a L-methionine precursor-producing strain and producing a L-methionine precursor by the fermentation of the strain,

2) converting said L-methionine precursor into L-methionine, according to the enzymatic conversion process of claim 1 , and

3) collecting the obtained L-methionine.

9. Process according to claim 8 , wherein said L-methionine precursor-producing strain is a prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganism strain that is able to accumulate L-methionine precursor.

10. Process according to claim 9 , wherein the strain is chosen from the group consisting of: Escherichia sp., Erwinia sp., Serratia sp., Providencia sp., Coryne bacteria sp., Pseudomonas sp., Leptospira sp., Salmonellar sp., Brevibacteria sp., Hypomononas sp., Chromobacterium sp. and Norcardia sp. microorganisms; fungi; and yeasts.

11. Process according to claim 9 , wherein the strain is obtained in a culture medium that includes various carbon sources, nitrogen sources and trace elements.

12. Process according to claim 11 , wherein the carbon source is chosen from the group consisting of: glucose, sucrose, lactose, fructose, maltose, starch, and cellulose; fats; fatty acids; organic acids; and mixtures thereof.

13. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the methyl mercaptan partial pressure ranges from 80 kPa to about 160 kPa, at the reaction temperature.

14. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the methyl mercaptan partial pressure ranges from 100 kPa to 150 kPa, at the reaction temperature.

15. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction temperature ranges from 30° C. to 40° C.

16. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the L-methionine precursor is O-acetyl homoserine (OAHS).

17. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the methyl mercaptan partial pressure ranges from 100 kPa to 180 kPa, at the reaction temperature.

18. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the methyl mercaptan partial pressure ranges from 10 kPa to 150 kPa, at the reaction temperature.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Recorded Jul 4, 2025
From: ARKEMA FRANCE
To: ARKEMA FRANCE
Reel/Frame 071814/0739 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 4, 2014
From: FREMY, GEORGES; BARRE, PATRICE; KIM, SO YOUNG; SON, SUNG KWANG; LEE, SANG MOK
To: ARKEMA FRANCE; CJ CHEILJEDANG CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 032343/0732 →