Thermostabilization, osmoprotection, and protection against desiccation of enzymes, cell components and cells by mannosyl-glycerate

摘要

The utilization of mannosylglycerate as a stabilizer of enzymes and other cell components or cells, namely against heat, freezing, desiccation, lyophilization or repeated usage, is disclosed. Examples with lactate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase show that this compound is a better protecting agent than trehalose. This solute is produced in the hyperthermophilic archaea Pyrococcus furiosus, species of the genera Methanothermus and Thermococcus, and in the thermophilic bacteria Rhodothermus marinus and Thermus thermophilus. A purification procedure is disclosed.