Leveraging microbial biosynthetic pathways for the generation of 'drop-in' biofuels. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zargar, Amin; Bailey, Constance B; Haushalter, Robert W; Eiben, Christopher B; Katz, Leonard; Keasling, Jay D
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 45(2017)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.03.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Fatty acid, isoprenoid and polyketide pathways for production of drop-in biofuels. FAS pathways produce alkanes via newly discovered fatty aldehyde decarbonylase. Crystallized geranylgeranyl reductase hydrogenates isoprenoid-based double bonds. Polyketide synthases for generation of designer biofuels. Abstract : Advances in retooling microorganisms have enabled bioproduction of 'drop-in' biofuels, fuels that are compatible with existing spark-ignition, compression-ignition, and gas-turbine engines. As the majority of petroleum consumption in the United States consists of gasoline (47%), diesel fuel and heating oil (21%), and jet fuel (8%), 'drop-in' biofuels that replace these petrochemical sources are particularly attractive. In this review, we discuss the application of aldehyde decarbonylases to produce gasoline substitutes from fatty acid products, a recently crystallized reductase that could hydrogenate jet fuel precursors from terpene synthases, and the exquisite control of polyketide synthases to produce biofuels with desired physical properties ( e.g., lower freezing points). With our increased understanding of biosynthetic logic of metabolic pathways, we discuss the unique advantages of fatty acid, terpene, and polyketide synthases for the production of bio-based gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.