From zero to hero - production of bio-based nylon from renewable resources using engineered Corynebacterium...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polyamides are crucial industrial polymers, traditionally synthesized from petrochemicals.
• There is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, 100% bio-based polyamide (PA5.10) using integrated biological and chemical processes.
• To engineer a microbial cell factory for efficient production of a key polymer building block.

Main Methods:

• Systems metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum to produce diaminopentane.
• Fed-batch fermentation achieving high yields and productivity of diaminopentane.
• Purification of diaminopentane via solvent extraction and distillation.
• Chemical polymerization of bio-based diaminopentane with sebacic acid (from castor oil).

Main Results:

• Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum achieved a 41% diaminopentane yield in shake flasks and 50% in fed-batch culture.
• High diaminopentane titer (88 g/L) and productivity (2.2 g/L/h) were obtained without by-products.
• The resulting bio-nylon PA5.10 exhibited excellent melting temperature and mechanical strength comparable to petrochemical polyamides PA6 and PA6.6.
• PA5.10 demonstrated a 6% lower density than conventional polyamides.

Conclusions:

• A novel, sustainable route for producing 100% bio-based polyamide PA5.10 from renewable resources has been established.
• The bio-nylon PA5.10 possesses competitive material properties, including lower density, making it suitable for energy-friendly transportation.
• This work represents a significant advancement in the industrial production of sustainable bio-polymers with enhanced characteristics.