Cheaper, faster way to make amino acids

International team led by NUS don uses chemicals instead of microbes to make protein building blocks

The amino acid leucine can stimulate muscle growth and help prevent the deterioration of muscles with age. PHOTO: AFP
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Amino acids are used in a huge range of industries but take a long time to produce. Now, they may become much easier to make with the help of scientists here.

An international team led by Assistant Professor Yan Ning from the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has found a way to massively shorten the manufacturing time of a product that many consumers may not know about.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 13, 2018, with the headline Cheaper, faster way to make amino acids. Subscribe