From Bugs to Bioplastics: Total (+)-Dihydrocarvide Biosynthesis by Engineered Escherichia coli |
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Authors: | Gabriel A. Ascue Avalos Dr. Helen S. Toogood Shirley Tait Dr. Hanan L. Messiha Prof. Nigel S. Scrutton |
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Affiliation: | School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN UK |
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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. |
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Keywords: | (+)-dihydrocarvide monomer Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases bioplastics engineering synthetic biology |
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