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Extraction of Lignin with High β-O-4 Content by Mild Ethanol Extraction and Its Effect on the Depolymerization Yield
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Protocatechuic acid production from lignin-associated phenolics.
1Institute of Chemical Technology, DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Mumbai, India.
Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology
|February 15, 2021
Summary
This study engineered *Pseudomonas putida* to convert biobased phenolic compounds like p-coumaric acid into valuable chemicals. This advances sustainable production of biobased chemicals from agricultural waste.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Microbial Engineering
Background:
- Biobased chemicals offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products.
- Agroindustrial wastes, rich in phenolic compounds from lignin, are underutilized resources.
- Key phenolic compounds include ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, and vanillin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer *Pseudomonas putida* for efficient conversion of specific phenolic compounds derived from biomass.
- To investigate the conversion of p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid into protocatechuic acid.
- To explore the potential of utilizing corn bran derived lignin hydrolysate for chemical synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of major phenolic components from corn bran lignin hydrolysate.
- Genetic engineering of *Pseudomonas putida* KT2440.
- Deletion of the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase gene.
- Overexpression of the vanillate-O-demethylase gene from *Acinetobacter sp*. ADP1.
Main Results:
- p-Coumaric acid and ferulic acid were identified as major components in corn bran hydrolysate.
- Engineered *Pseudomonas putida* achieved >90% yield for p-coumaric acid conversion to protocatechuic acid.
- The engineered strain demonstrated >50% yield for vanillic acid conversion to protocatechuic acid.
Conclusions:
- Engineered *Pseudomonas putida* is effective in converting biobased phenolic acids to protocatechuic acid.
- This metabolic engineering approach enhances the valorization of lignin-derived compounds from agricultural waste.
- The study contributes to the development of sustainable bioproduction platforms for aromatic chemicals.
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