The Power of Biocatalysis: A One-Pot Total Synthesis of Rhamnolipids from Butane as the Sole Carbon and Energy Source

Microbially derived surfactants, so-called biosurfactants, have drawn much attention in recent years and are expected to replace current petrochemical surfactants, owing to their environmental and toxicological benefits. One strategy to support that goal is to reduce production costs by replacing relatively expensive sugars with cheaper raw materials, such as short-chain alkanes. Herein, we report the successful one-pot total synthesis of rhamnolipids, a class of biosurfactants with 12 stereocenters, from butane as sole carbon and energy source through the design of a tailored whole-cell biocatalyst.