Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

One-pot Microwave-assisted Conversion of Anomeric Nitrate-esters to Trichloroacetimidates
Published on: January 15, 2018
Microbial synthesis of triacetic acid lactone
Dongming Xie1, Zengyi Shao, Jihane Achkar
1Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.
Researchers identified the best enzyme for microbial triacetic acid lactone (TAL) synthesis. A modified 6-methylsalicylic acid synthase (6-MSAS) enzyme in yeast achieved the highest TAL production, yielding 1.8 g/L.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Enzyme Engineering
Background:
- Microbial synthesis of valuable compounds like triacetic acid lactone (TAL) is a key area in biotechnology.
- Identifying optimal enzymes and microbial hosts is crucial for efficient bioproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare different enzymes for TAL synthesis.
- To optimize the microbial host and expression conditions for enhanced TAL production.
Main Methods:
- Expression of native 2-pyrone synthase (2-PS), mutant fatty acid synthase B (FAS-B), and 6-methylsalicylic acid synthase (6-MSAS) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Genetic modification of ketoreductase domains in FAS-B and 6-MSAS.
- Optimization of promoter selection (P(ADH2)) and microbial cultivation.
Main Results:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed higher expression levels of 2-PS compared to Escherichia coli.
- The Y1572F mutant of 6-MSAS demonstrated the highest TAL-synthesizing activity.
- Maximal TAL concentration of 1.8 g/L and yield of 6% were achieved using the Y1572F mutant of 6-MSAS.
Conclusions:
- Engineered 6-MSAS, specifically the Y1572F mutant, is the most effective enzyme for microbial TAL production in S. cerevisiae.
- Optimized expression systems in S. cerevisiae are suitable for efficient biosynthesis of TAL.
Related Concept Videos
Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones: Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation
The carbonyl center is activated by...
Preparation of Acid Anhydrides
The carboxylate ion acts as a nucleophile that attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acid chloride to form a tetrahedral intermediate. Subsequently, the re-formation of the carbonyl group with the loss of the chloride ion as a leaving group leads to the formation of an acid...
Alkylation of β-Ketoester Enolates: Acetoacetic Ester Synthesis
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
Loss of Carboxy Group as CO2: Decarboxylation of Malonic Acid Derivatives
Production of Organic Acids

