Norihiko Misawa

Title: Norihiko Misawa: Innovator in Carotenoid Biotechnology

Introduction

Norihiko Misawa is a prominent inventor based in Kamaishi, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the production of carotenoids. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on enhancing the efficiency of carotenoid production through innovative methods.

Latest Patents

Misawa's latest patents include a method for producing astaxanthin or its metabolic products using carotenoid ketolase and carotenoid hydroxylase genes. This invention provides a microorganism or plant transformed with a β-ionone ring-4-ketolase gene and/or a β-ionone ring-3-hydroxylase gene derived from strain SD-212. The genes produced by this strain exhibit high activity compared to known enzymes, allowing for efficient astaxanthin production. Another notable patent involves a strain SD212-derived peptide with β-ionone ring-2-hydroxylase activity, enabling the large-scale production of rare carotenoids with a hydroxyl group introduced at the position 2(2') carbon in their β-ionone ring.

Career Highlights

Norihiko Misawa is associated with Kirin Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, where he continues to advance research in carotenoid biotechnology. His innovative approaches have positioned him as a key figure in the field, contributing to the development of new methods for producing valuable compounds.

Collaborations

Some of his notable coworkers include Kyoko Adachi and Sadao Komemushi, who have collaborated with him on various projects related to carotenoid research.

Conclusion

Norihiko Misawa's contributions to carotenoid biotechnology through his patents and collaborations highlight his role as an influential inventor in this specialized field. His work continues to pave the way for advancements in the production of valuable carotenoids.