Study of surfactin production and metabolism in a Bacillus subtilis edited strain

• Grant number: 23/06568-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Danielle Biscaro Pedrolli
• Grantee: Fabiane de Oliveira Barban
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/16549-6 - Parallel bioreactor cultivation under different pH conditions for surfcatin production and structure evaluation, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Synthetic biology has been one of the main targets of study when it comes to productions with less environmental impact. Recent studies on the biosynthesis of cyclic lipopeptides, molecules with surfactant properties and wide applicability in industries, stand out among these productions. The main challenge is to produce it quickly, sustainably, and at a low cost, which can be solved using synthetic biology tools. Bacillus subtilis is capable of producing several molecules, including surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide. However, in its wild form, production is relatively low, requiring modifications in its genome for super production. Therefore, the objective of this project is to understand the B. subitilis nutritional demand for the synthesis of surfactin. The study will guide subsequent genetic modification in an attempt to improve the cellular availability of surfactin precursors. Therefore, one gene edition will be carried out based on the nutritional study