A potential biotechnological process for the sustainable production of vitamin K₁

Abstract

The primary objective of this review is to propose an approach for the biosynthesis of phylloquinone (vitamin K₁) based upon its known sources, its role in photosynthesis and its biosynthetic pathway. The chemistry, health benefits, market, and industrial production of vitamin K are also summarized. Vitamin K compounds (K vitamers) are required for the normal function of at least 15 proteins involved in diverse physiological processes such as coagulation, tissue mineralization, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Vitamin K is essential for the prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), especially in neonates. Increased vitamin K intake may also reduce the severity and/or risk of bone fracture, arterial calcification, inflammatory diseases, and cognitive decline. Consumers are increasingly favoring natural food and therapeutic products. However, the bulk of vitamin K products employed for both human and animal use are chemically synthesized. Biosynthesis of the menaquinones (vitamin K₂) has been extensively researched. However, published research on the biotechnological production of phylloquinone is restricted to a handful of available articles and patents. We have found that microalgae are more suitable than plant cell cultures for the biosynthesis of phylloquinone. Many algae are richer in vitamin K₁ than terrestrial plants, and algal cells are easier to manipulate. Vitamin K₁ can be efficiently recovered from the biomass using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction.

Keywords:

• Vitamin K
• carboxylation
• chronic disease
• aging
• vitamin K1
• phylloquinone
• microalgae
• biosynthesis
• supercritical
• CO2
• extraction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Agricure Scientific Organics Pty Ltd holds a patent (US20150359757A1) on a veterinary vitamin K supplement, sold under the name Quinaquinone™.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) [grant number IC140100026]. TT is the recipient of a Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (formerly Australian Postgraduate Award) from the Commonwealth Government of Australia.