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A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
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Artificial Biological Funnel Design Enabled Valorization of Aromatic Derivatives into Catechol
Ya Zhou1,2,3, Ruo-Ying Liu1,2,3, Ning Fu1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Engineered microbes convert diverse aromatic compounds into valuable catechol. This biological funnel approach enhances aromatic resource utilization for fine chemical production.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Aromatic compounds from lignin, petroleum, and plastics are potential feedstocks for fine chemicals.
- Heterogeneity and complex pathways of these aromatics limit their value enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an engineered microorganism for efficient, atom-economic conversion of diverse aromatic derivatives into catechol.
- To establish a sustainable valorization route for aromatic resources.
Main Methods:
- Engineered *Pseudomonas putida* KT2440 with heterologous protocatechuate decarboxylases to create a "biological funnel" pathway.
- Optimization of enzyme expression and cofactor regeneration strategies.
- Construction of artificial microbial consortia for covalorizing diverse aromatic substrates.
Main Results:
- Successful conversion of lignin-derived ferulic acid and *p*-coumaric acid to catechol.
- Achieved catechol titers of 8.8 mM and 14.1 mM with 98.5% molar yield after cofactor regeneration.
- Demonstrated catechol production from various aromatic substrates like phenol, guaiacol, benzoate, and terephthalic acid using microbial consortia.
Conclusions:
- Artificial biological funnels and microbial consortia enable efficient valorization of heterogeneous aromatic derivatives into catechol.
- This approach provides a sustainable pathway for converting aromatic resources into valuable fine chemicals.
Keywords:
biological funnelcatechollignin bioconversionlignin valorizationmetabolic regulationmicrobial consortiaMore Related Videos
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