Genetically Modified Solventogenic Organisms for Butanol Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Butanol fermentation by solventogenic Clostridia is constrained by self-limitation due to the toxic effects of the product on the microorganisms, necessitating the development of genetically modified strains for enhanced efficiency in bio-butanol production.

Innovation Solution

Genetically modified solventogenic organisms, such as recombinant bacteria and yeast strains, with altered gene expression or structure are developed to increase butanol production efficiency through genetic recombination and nucleic acid transformation, targeting specific genes like Adh, Bcd, CheA, CheC, CheD, ManIIAB, ManIIC, SpoIVA, SpoVB, and SspA to enhance solvent production pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fermentation processes are used, then the process is simple and well-established, but butanol production is limited due to toxic effects of the product on the microorganisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutanol production efficiencyVSAvoidtoxic effects of butanol on microorganisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying gene expression levels and genetic structure of solventogenic microorganisms. Specific genes (adh, bcd, buk, ctfAB, adc) are overexpressed or mutated to alter metabolic pathways, enabling the microorganisms to produce butanol at higher rates before reaching toxic concentrations, thereby changing the productivity parameter without being constrained by traditional toxicity limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful toxic effect of butanol into a benefit by genetically engineering strains that are more tolerant to butanol accumulation. The modified microorganisms can withstand higher butanol concentrations and continue fermenting, effectively using the previously harmful product concentration as a driver for selective pressure that favors the evolution or selection of more tolerant, high-producing strains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If genetically modified strains are developed, then butanol production efficiency increases, but the complexity of the production process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutanol production efficiencyVSAvoidgenetic modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex genetic modification process into manageable components: identification of key metabolic genes (adh, bcd, buk, ctfAB, adc), separate mutation or overexpression strategies for each gene, and modular selection methods. This segmentation allows systematic development of genetically modified strains without overwhelming complexity, as each gene can be targeted and optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal genetic modification strategies that can be applied across different solventogenic microorganism strains. The same set of target genes and modification approaches (mutation, overexpression) are universally applicable to various Clostridium species and other solvent-producing organisms, reducing the need for strain-specific complex procedures and enabling broad implementation of the technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The modified strains exhibit increased butanol production efficiency, measured by higher concentrations, yields, and rates of solvent formation, overcoming the limitations of traditional fermentation processes.

Implementation Method 1

Butanol can be produced as a co-product with ethanol and acetone from carbohydrates through fermentation by several solventogenic Clostridia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

genetic modification of solventogenic clostridia to enhance efficiency of production of butanol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGenetic recombination:

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNucleic acid transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS10119115B2Methods and compositions for producing solvents

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 EASTMAN RENEWABLE MATERIALS LLC

AI summary

Described herein are methods, compositions and synthetic biology approaches for solvent production, including but not limited to butanol production. Described herein are recombinant bacteria and yeast strains which may be used in production of a solvent, including but not limited to butanol, from lignocellulosic and other plant-based feedstocks. Described herein are methods of producing solvents, including but not limited to butanol, using bacteria and yeast strains. Described herein are methods of producing organisms that display highly efficient butanol production.