Recombinant Plasmid Biosensor for D-Lactic Acid Strain Mining

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of achieving high-yield production of D-lactic acid in Zymomonas mobilis requires the identification and integration of suitable target genes and genetic engineering elements to enhance the biosynthesis process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a recombinant plasmid carrying an operon for catabolizing D-lactic acid and a gene for reporting, coupled with a CRISPRi library and CRISPR-Cas12a system, to screen and regulate D-lactic acid biosynthesis in Zymomonas mobilis strains, enabling high-throughput mining of strains and genes for enhanced production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional methods are used to mine D-lactic acid producing strains, then the process is simple, but the productivity and yield of D-LA are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD-LA production yieldVSAvoidmining method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by constructing a biosensor system where the lldR-Plldp-eGFP connector responds to D-LA concentration changes. The eGFP fluorescence intensity provides real-time feedback on D-LA production levels, enabling automated screening and selection of high-yield strains through flow cytometry, thus dramatically improving productivity while managing complexity through systematic design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary biosensor system comprising the lldR-Plldp-eGFP connector as a mediator between the target strain and the screening process. This intermediary converts D-LA production into measurable fluorescence signals, enabling indirect but highly efficient strain mining without requiring complex direct measurement methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive gene screening is performed to identify D-LA biosynthesis genes, then the precision of strain selection improves, but the time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain selection accuracyVSAvoidscreening time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical detection methods with a biological sensing system. The lldR-Plldp-eGFP connector acts as a biological transducer that automatically converts D-LA concentration into fluorescence signals, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual assays and enabling high-throughput automated screening with high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct chemical analysis of D-LA to optical detection of eGFP fluorescence. This parameter transformation enables rapid, non-destructive, high-throughput screening while maintaining high measurement precision, significantly reducing screening time and resource consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple genes are introduced to enhance D-LA production, then the yield increases, but the stability of the strain may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD-LA yieldVSAvoidstrain stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional biosensor system that simultaneously serves as a detection tool, a selection marker, and a regulatory element. The lldR-Plldp-eGFP connector integrates promoter regulation, reporter expression, and flow cytometry compatibility into a single universal system, enabling precise strain evaluation and selection to maintain stability while enhancing productivity

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

This approach allows for the effective mining of strains and genes that increase D-lactic acid production, demonstrated by a 24.5-fold increase in fluorescence intensity and linear correlation with D-lactic acid concentration, leading to improved yield and efficiency in biosynthesis.

Implementation Method 1

screening positive colonies according to the fluorescence intensity of the strain to be mined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250361501A1Methods for mining strains and genes, and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 WUHAN RUIJIAKANG BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US20250361501A1 patent drawing
  • US20250361501A1 patent drawing
  • US20250361501A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for mining strains and genes, and use are provided. The method includes using a recombinant plasmid, and transferring the plasmid into a strain to be mined. The recombinant plasmid carries an operon for catabolizing lactic acid and a gene for report. A use of ZMO1323 mining by the method in biosynthesis of D-LA is provided.