Bio-based production of monomers and polymers by metabolically engineered microorganisms. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, Hannah; Yang, Jung Eun; Ha, Ji Yeon; Chae, Tong Un; Shin, Jae Ho; Gustavsson, Martin; Lee, Sang Yup
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 36(2015)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2015.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Bio-based production of chemicals is becoming increasingly important. Metabolic engineering allows enhanced production of monomers and polymers. Diamines, dicarboxylic and ω-amino acids are produced by engineered microbes. Diols, hydroxy acids, and aromatic monomers are produced by engineered microbes. Direct in vivo synthesis of polyesters and recombinant proteins is also possible. Abstract : Recent metabolic engineering strategies for bio-based production of monomers and polymers are reviewed. In the case of monomers, we describe strategies for producing polyamide precursors, namely diamines (putrescine, cadaverine, 1, 6-diaminohexane), dicarboxylic acids (succinic, glutaric, adipic, and sebacic acids), and ω-amino acids (γ-aminobutyric, 5-aminovaleric, and 6-aminocaproic acids). Also, strategies for producing diols (monoethylene glycol, 1, 3-propanediol, and 1, 4-butanediol) and hydroxy acids (3-hydroxypropionic and 4-hydroxybutyric acids) used for polyesters are reviewed. Furthermore, we review strategies for producing aromatic monomers, including styrene, p -hydroxystyrene, p -hydroxybenzoic acid, and phenol, and propose pathways to aromatic polyurethane precursors. Finally, in vivo production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and recombinant structural proteins having interesting applications are showcased.