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

Author(s)

Henrique da Costa Oliveira

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2017-12-13

Examining board members

José Gregorio Cabrera Gomez; Rosane Aparecida Moniz Piccoli; Galo Antonio Carrillo Le Roux; Suzan Pantaroto de Vasconcellos

• Advisor: José Gregorio Cabrera Gomez

Abstract

This project aimed at producing 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) using glycerol as carbon source, which can be proven from the biodiesel industry. 1,3-PD is a significant product in biotechnology as a precursor to several processes. Its main application is as monomer of the bioplastic Polytrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT), a non-biodegradable recyclable thermoplastic with superior qualities over Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). 1,3-PD is produced mostly by chemical synthesis from petroleum derivatives. The alternative produced by microorganisms is more advantageous due to the use of renewable raw material and the lower cost of production. The bacteria presented here are recombinant strains of Escherichia coli, harboring genes from the natural producer of 1,3-PD, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Reviewing the literature, simulations of Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) and experimental observations, this project aimed at eliminating partially or completely the lactate and acetate byproducts in strains of E. coli, and at understanding the effects of the mutations in production and growing. We also analyzed the role of the yqhD gene in the production of 1,3-PD, combining the mutations that produced more 1,3-PD with each other, to improve the current production process. Four recombinant strains of E. coli were first obtained in a first experimentation, in which the following genes were analyzed: ackA, ldhA, poxB, pta e yqhD. Combinations of these strains was also made with one previously obtained E. coli with mutation at the Isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme, with specificity altered by coenzymes (NAD+ instead NADP+), resulting in 6 more strains. All genes of interest were deleted, and the mutants had the production evaluated. Based on preliminary results, new strains were constructed combining the modifications, all tested in shake flasks. The best strain for production was an E. coli icdNAD+ΔyqhD, cultivated in bioreactor. It was observed an increase in the yield (up to 0.489 molPDO/molglycerol) and productivity (up to 0.312 gPDO.L-1.h-1). Mutants lacking genes responsible for acetate formation were obtained from the best strain, in order to reduce acetate at batch. At last, in an attempt to create a strain with potential to be used in industry, an essential gene was cloned in the production plasmid, trying to solve some large-scale problems. This new plasmid used in a specific strain eliminate the use of antibiotics, and still preserve the high copy number of the genes of interest. Further improvements could be achieved by exploring different oxygen supply conditions. The initial objectives were achieved: to construct more productive strains of 1,3-PD and study the effect of the deletion of genes responsible of byproducts. Furthermore, the results obtained in this research could reveal the importance of some genes, and from here, more specific questions and hypothesis can be investigated. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/05511-9 - Inactivation impact of genes related to synthesis of fermentation products (lactate and acetate) in 1,3-propanediol production in recombinant strains of Escherichia coli
• Grantee: HENRIQUE DA COSTA OLIVEIRA
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master