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Researchers Engineer E. coli for Animal-Free Drug Manufacturing

Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and is naturally found in connective tissues in the human body and in animal cartilage. It is part of a protein molecule that helps give cartilage its elastic properties and is thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce swelling in the joints. It has been used as a dietary supplement for treating osteoarthritis. Currently, it is sourced from cow trachea. Envisioning an animal-free drug supply, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have modified E. coli to produce chondroitin sulfate.

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