Inactivation impact of genes related to synthesis of fermentation products (lactate and acetate) in 1,3-propanediol production in recombinant strains of Escherichia coli

• Grant number: 15/05511-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2016
• End date: February 28, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: José Gregório Cabrera Gomez
• Grantee: HENRIQUE DA COSTA OLIVEIRA
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) using purified glycerol as a carbon source, in which the glycerol can be obtained from the biodiesel industry. The production of 1,3-PDO by microorganisms is compatible with the principles of bioeconomy, which encourages the use of renewable and sustainable products, also taking into account the social and environmental well-being. 1,3-PDO is a relevant product in the biotechnological industry because it serves as a precursor for many other processes. Its most relevant application is in the production of bioplastics polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a non-biodegradable recyclable thermoplastic with superior qualities than polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Clothing and packaging companies are the greatest PTT users. Its utilization has been growing 16,3% annually, and consequently encourages the production of 1,3-PDO. Currently, the 1,3-PDO is mainly produced by chemical synthesis using petroleum products. However, an alternative process using microorganisms is advantageous because it generates lower pollution emissions, it uses renewable resources and it has lower production costs. The bacteria proposed in this project is a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli, with genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a natural producer of 1,3-PDO. Studies conducted in the Laboratory of Bioproducts (USP) show good prospects in this regard. The largest commercial producer of 1,3-PDO is DuPont Nemour and Company (USA), which holds several patents. The propanediol commercial market has an annual compound growth rate of 10,4% and its value is expected to reach 621 million dollars by 2021. Analyzing the literature, metabolic fluxes and experimental data obtained in the Laboratory of Bioproducts, this project aims to eliminate partially or totally the by-products lactate and acetate in recombinant strains of Escherichia coli, as well as to analyze the impact of the modification in the production of 1,3-PDO. We believe that the reduction of these unwanted by-products might help to increase the efficiency of 1,3-PDO production process. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

OLIVEIRA, HENRIQUE DA COSTA. Inactivation impact of genes related to synthesis of fermentation products (lactate and acetate) in 1,3-propanediol production in recombinant strains of Escherichia coli.. 2017. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.