Zinc is a vital element in humans. Zinc deficiency has been defined as one of the most prevailing health problems globally by the world health organization. It has been found to increase the susceptibility to certain types of chronic infections such as stomach ulcer caused by <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>. Zinc deficiency is especially common among populations feeding on corn. Corn contains a high content of phytin which prevents micro minerals like zinc from being absorbed by forming an insoluble complex with the micro minerals. Haptocorrin (HC), which is a vitamin B<sub>12</sub> dietary uptake protein, is a potential carrier for zinc delivery due to the stability of haptocorrin to acid hydrolysis. It’s proposed that by adding a zinc binding motif into the sequence of HC, HC could be evolved into an oral zinc protein supplement that protects zinc from phytin and overcome the issue of phytin challenge.

Directed evolution of haptocorrin into an oral zinc supplement

249th National Meeting (2015)

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