Biosynthetic C7 Alkane Production via Enzymatic Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for cost-effective biosynthetic routes to produce di- or trifunctional C7 alkanes, which are intermediates for nylon-7, nylon-7,x, nylon-x,7, and polyesters, using renewable and non-renewable feedstocks, as existing methods rely heavily on petroleum and natural gas, requiring a shift towards more sustainable production methods.

Innovation Solution

Development of enzymatic systems and recombinant hosts to biosynthesize di- or trifunctional C7 alkanes from renewable feedstocks like plant-derived sugars and glycerol, or petrochemical-derived feedstocks such as benzene or cyclohexane carboxylate, through intermediates like pimelic acid semialdehyde, using specific enzymes and metabolic pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If petroleum and natural gas are used as feedstocks for producing C7 alkanes, then production efficiency and yield are high, but environmental impact and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of feedstock type from petrochemical (petroleum/natural gas) to renewable biological sources (sugars, starches, cellulose, glycerol). This parameter change enables sustainable production while maintaining economic viability through enzymatic conversion processes that transform renewable carbohydrates into C7 alkane intermediates for nylon production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional petrochemical conversion mechanisms with biological enzymatic systems. Specific enzymes and recombinant host cells are used to catalyze the conversion of renewable feedstocks into C7 alkane intermediates, substituting mechanical/chemical petroleum processing with biological conversion pathways that have lower environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If petroleum-based feedstocks are used, then production costs are low, but dependency on non-renewable resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidfeedstock sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal biosynthetic platform that can process multiple types of renewable feedstocks (sugars, starches, cellulose, glycerol) through a common enzymatic pathway to produce C7 alkane intermediates. This multi-functional system provides versatility in feedstock selection while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes waste or low-value streams such as glycerol from biodiesel production as feedstocks. By converting these waste materials into valuable C7 alkane intermediates, the system provides self-service functionality where waste products from one industry become raw materials for another, creating economic value while improving sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional petrochemical processes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces enzymatic systems and recombinant host cells as intermediary agents between renewable feedstocks and C7 alkane products. These biological intermediaries catalyze the conversion process under milder conditions compared to traditional petrochemical methods, reducing energy consumption while maintaining process feasibility through well-established fermentation and extraction techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the efficient production of nylon-7, nylon-7,x, nylon-x,7, and polyesters from diverse feedstocks, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact by utilizing renewable and waste materials, while lowering production costs.

Implementation Method 1

enzymatic systems and recombinant hosts to biosynthesize di- or trifunctional C7 alkanes from renewable feedstocks like plant-derived sugars and glycerol, or petrochemical-derived feedstocks such as benzene or cyclohexane carboxylate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

recombinant hosts to biosynthesize di- or trifunctional C7 alkanes from renewable feedstocks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS10689673B2Bioconversion process for producing nylon-7, nylon-7,7 and polyesters

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 INV NYLON CHEMICALS AMERICAS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for the biosynthesis of di- or trifunctional C7 alkanes in the presence of isolated enzymes or in the presence of a recombinant host cell expressing those enzymes. The di- or trifunctional C7 alkanes are useful as intermediates in the production of nylon-7, nylon-7,x, nylon-x,7, and polyesters.