Fragmentation of heparin by enzymes from newly isolated microorganisms.

In a screening program a number of new heparin (CAS 9005-49-6) degrading microorganisms from soil and water samples from Europe, Asia and Australia were isolated. The new strains were identified as Cytophaga sp. but are distinct from the known heparin degrading organism Cytophaga heparina in various aspects of cell morphology, sugar metabolism and heparin utilization. Analysis of heparin degradation by crude extracts from Cytophaga heparina-, TM5- and SIN1-cells shows that the products obtained from the different strains are distinct. New sulfate cleaving, lytic and hydrolytic enzyme activities were detected and partially purified. Low molecular weight heparins were produced by enzymatic cleavage of unfractionated heparin. The products were separated by gel permeation chromatography and characterized isotachophoretically.