Recent Advances in the Biosynthesis of Mid- and Long-Chain Dicarboxylic Acids Using Terminally Oxidizing...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbial Engineering
• Biochemical Engineering

Background:

• Mid- and long-chain dicarboxylic acids (DCAi, i ≥ 6) are key monomers for high-performance polyamides.
• Biosynthesis is emerging as a sustainable alternative to chemical synthesis for DCA production.
• Nonmodel microorganisms, particularly yeasts like Candida tropicalis, are utilized for their robust alkane-oxidizing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review metabolic pathways for oxidative alkane conversion to dicarboxylic acids in unconventional yeasts.
• To summarize metabolic engineering strategies applied to enhance dicarboxylic acid biosynthesis.
• To discuss advancements in dicarboxylic acid production processes and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of metabolic pathways and engineering strategies for dicarboxylic acid biosynthesis.
• Analysis of research progress in dicarboxylic acid production processes.
• Prospective analysis of future development in synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering.

Main Results:

• Detailed summary of metabolic pathways for alkane oxidation to dicarboxylic acids by yeasts.
• Overview of successful metabolic engineering approaches for improving dicarboxylic acid yields.
• Compilation of current research on novel dicarboxylic acid production processes.

Conclusions:

• Biosynthesis offers a promising route for sustainable production of mid- and long-chain dicarboxylic acids.
• Further advancements in synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering are crucial for industrial-scale production.
• This research provides a reference for the biosynthesis of other biobased chemicals and materials.