Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of a Novel Borneol-Based Polyester

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology
• Polymer Chemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Terpenes are abundant, cyclic natural compounds with potential as bio-based chemical resources.
• Existing terpenes often require further functionalization for advanced applications like biopolymer synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biotransformation process for creating higher-functionalized terpene monomers.
• To synthesize a novel bio-based polyester from a functionalized terpene.

Main Methods:

• Whole-cell catalytic biotransformation of borneol using cytochrome P450cam (CYP101) in Pseudomonas putida KT2440.
• Development of a semi-continuous batch system for producing 5-exo-hydroxyborneol.
• Solvent-free polycondensation reaction to synthesize polyester from the bifunctional terpene.

Main Results:

• Achieved a final concentration of 0.54 g/L of 5-exo-hydroxyborneol via biotransformation.
• Synthesized a bio-based polyester with a glass transition temperature of approximately 70°C.
• The resulting polyester had a molecular weight (Mw) between 2000-4000 g/mol.

Conclusions:

• Whole-cell biotransformation is effective for producing functionalized terpene monomers.
• These monomers can serve as valuable building blocks for novel bio-based polymers.
• This approach expands the industrial utility of terpenes in biopolymer applications.