Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and improved process for the production and purification of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA). One embodiment relates to providing growth conditions for production of high molecular weight HA in Streptococcus zooepidemicus. For example, growth in medium comprising a lower protein concentration, e.g., 1% casein hydrolyzate, and a higher sugar concentration, e.g., 5% sucrose, gave 5-6 g/L of high molecular weight HA in the range of 3.5-4.0×106 Da. The present invention also provides an efficient process for the purification of HA comprising treatment with silica gel then active carbon, and subsequent diafiltration with less volume of solvent.

Abstract: A cell culture medium comprising glycerol or glucose, an ammonium salt, sodium polyphosphate, a magnesium salt, a potassium salt and trace elements, and having a pH between 5.5 and 8.0. The medium is particularly suitable for culturing E.coli for the expression of heterologous proteins (e.g., NAP from H.pylori).