From Bugs to Bioplastics: Total (+)‐Dihydrocarvide Biosynthesis by Engineered Escherichia coli. (21st January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ascue Avalos, Gabriel A.; Toogood, Helen S.; Tait, Shirley; Messiha, Hanan L.; Scrutton, Nigel S.
• Is Part Of: Chembiochem. Volume 20:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 785
• Page End: 792
• Publication Date: 2019-01-21
• Subjects: (+)-dihydrocarvide monomer -- Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases -- bioplastics -- engineering -- synthetic biology; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800606
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4227

Abstract

Abstract: The monoterpenoid lactone derivative (+)‐dihydrocarvide ((+)‐DHCD) can be polymerised to form shape‐memory polymers. Synthetic biology routes from simple, inexpensive carbon sources are an attractive, alternative route over chemical synthesis from ( R )‐carvone. We have demonstrated a proof‐of‐principle in vivo approach for the complete biosynthesis of (+)‐DHCD from glucose in Escherichia coli (6.6 mg L −1 ). The pathway is based on the Mentha spicata route to ( R )‐carvone, with the addition of an ′ene′‐reductase and Baeyer–Villiger cyclohexanone monooxygenase. Co‐expression with a limonene synthesis pathway enzyme enables complete biocatalytic production within one microbial chassis. (+)‐DHCD was successfully produced by screening multiple homologues of the pathway genes, combined with expression optimisation by selective promoter and/or ribosomal binding‐site screening. This study demonstrates the potential application of synthetic biology approaches in the development of truly sustainable and renewable bioplastic monomers. Abstract : Sustainable, renewable bioplastic monomers : The monoterpenoid (+)‐ DHCD can be polymerised to form shape‐memory polymers. We have demonstrated a proof‐of‐principle approach to the complete biosynthesis of (+)‐ DHCD from glucose in E. coli, based on a modified M. spicata biosynthetic pathway. This route from a simple, inexpensive carbon source is more attractive than the alternative chemical synthesis from ( R )‐carvone.