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A microbial factory for lactate-based polyesters using a lactate-polymerizing enzyme.

Seiichi Taguchi¹, Miwa Yamada, Ken'ichiro Matsumoto

¹Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan. staguchi@eng.hokudai.ac.jp

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|November 4, 2008

Summary

Researchers developed a one-step microbial process for synthesizing polylactate (PLA) and related polyesters. This method utilizes engineered polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase to polymerize lactate-coenzyme A (LA-CoA), creating novel bio-based materials.

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Published on: December 12, 2013

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Polymer Science
Microbial Engineering

Background:

Polylactate (PLA) is a key bio-based polyester typically synthesized via chemo-bio processes.
Current methods involve chemical polymerization of lactate (LA) derived from microbial fermentation.
A one-step microbial synthesis for LA-based polyesters remains an important goal.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish a direct one-step microbial process for synthesizing LA-based polyesters.
To investigate the potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase in polymerizing lactate-coenzyme A (LA-CoA).
To engineer a microbial strain capable of producing and polymerizing LA-CoA.

Main Methods:

Constructed an Escherichia coli strain engineered for LA-CoA production by introducing a CoA transferase gene.
Utilized an engineered PHA synthase, identified through a prior in vitro system.
Confirmed LA-CoA generation using capillary electrophoresis/MS analysis.
Introduced the engineered PHA synthase gene into the LA-CoA producing E. coli strain for one-step biosynthesis.

Main Results:

Demonstrated successful generation of LA-CoA in the engineered E. coli strain.
Achieved one-step biosynthesis of a LA-incorporated copolyester, P(6 mol% LA-co-94 mol% 3HB).
Characterized the copolyester, obtaining a number-average molecular weight of 1.9 x 10^5 using GPC, GC/MS, and NMR.

Conclusions:

Successfully established a one-step microbial process for synthesizing LA-based copolyesters.
The engineered PHA synthase exhibits activity towards LA-CoA, enabling direct polymerization.
This breakthrough offers a sustainable and efficient route for producing novel bio-based polyesters.