The efficient creation of fatty acids and 3-hydroxypropionic acid has been achieved through the co-utilization engineering of glucose and xylose in Ogataea polymorpha, a step forward in lignocellulose biorefinery. Attribution: DICP
The Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) has taken the lead in developing a microbial framework that refines the process of generating essential chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass, augmenting sugar co-fermentation.
Lignocellulosic biomass stands as a sustainable input for second-generation biomanufacturing. The vital aspect of effectively co-fermenting mixed glucose and xylose in lignocellulosic hydrolysates centers around diminishing the overall expenses of the end product.
Nevertheless, the combined utilization of xylose and glucose by microbes poses difficulties due to the restricted assimilation of xylose and the inhibitory effect of glucose.
Table of Contents
New Developments by Researchers at DICP
A scientific team headed by Prof. Yongjin Zhou from DICP, which is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has put forward a microbial structure for lignocellulose bio-refinery. This mechanism can adeptly create acetyl-CoA derivatives such as fatty acids (FFA) and 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), due to the increased allocation of the precursor acetyl-CoA and cofactor NADPH by modifying the Ogataea (Hansenula) polymorpha’s cellular metabolism.
The study is scheduled to be published today (August 24) in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
Technological Breakthroughs and Outcomes
The researchers accomplished the concurrent usage of glucose and xylose by integrating a hexose transporter mutant with xylose isomerase and amplifying the expression of the indigenous xylulokinase to boost xylose breakdown and intake.
The restructured strain yielded 7.0 g/L FFA from genuine lignocellulosic hydrolysates in shake flasks and 38.2 g/L FFA from synthetic lignocellulose in a bioreactor. Moreover, the high-performing cell factory was adapted for 3-HP creation through a metabolic conversion tactic, acquiring the maximum 3-HP concentration of 79.6 g/L from imitation lignocellulose.
Professor Zhou stated, “Our research has made possible the combined use of xylose and glucose without hindering the native glucose metabolism and has showcased the potential of O. polymorpha as a cellular manufacturer for the derivation of multifaceted value-added chemicals from lignocellulose.”
Reference: “Engineering co-utilization of glucose and xylose for the overproduction of chemicals from lignocellulose” 24 August 2023, Nature Chemical Biology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01402-6
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about lignocellulose bio-refinery
What is the main focus of the research conducted by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics?
The research is focused on developing a microbial system that optimizes the production of valuable chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass by enhancing sugar co-fermentation, specifically through efficient co-fermentation of glucose and xylose.
Who led the research team, and what organism was engineered for this purpose?
Prof. Yongjin Zhou from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics led the research team. They engineered Ogataea polymorpha for efficient synthesis of acetyl-CoA derivatives like fatty acids and 3-hydroxypropionic acid.
What are the technological innovations achieved through this research?
The researchers achieved simultaneous utilization of glucose and xylose by introducing a hexose transporter mutant and xylose isomerase, and overexpressing native xylulokinase. They produced 7.0 g/L FFA from real lignocellulosic hydrolysates and 79.6 g/L 3-HP from simulated lignocellulose.
Where was the study published, and what is its significance?
The study was published in Nature Chemical Biology on August 24, 2023. It signifies a substantial step towards reducing product costs in 2nd-generation biomanufacturing and demonstrates the potential of Ogataea polymorpha as a cell factory to produce versatile value-added chemicals from lignocellulose.
What challenges were addressed in co-utilizing glucose and xylose in microbial synthesis?
The challenges addressed include the limited xylose assimilation and the glucose repression effect. The research successfully overcame these challenges, realizing co-utilization of both sugars without compromising native glucose metabolism.
More about lignocellulose bio-refinery
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP)
- Nature Chemical Biology Publication
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
5 comments
Sounds like a real breakthrough. Though im no expert, I do wonder how scalable this technology is. Hope it leads to more sustainable solutions!
im intrigued by this new microbial system. It’s a massive leap forward; really want to learn more about the process and the professor behind it.
That’s some serious advancement in bio-refinery. Can’t wait to see how it’s gonna impact industry. Who knew, yeast could be so versatile?
Lignocellulose Bio-refinery? Never thought id hear about something like this. How is this gonna affect the economy, environment? So many questions!
This is amazing, where can I read the full study. Do they mention anything about commercial applications? Would love to hear Prof Zhou’s thoughts on this!