Recombinant Acetogens Convert CO to 3-HP via Merged Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing 3-Hydroxypropionate (3-HP) through microbial fermentation are limited in efficiency and sustainability, particularly in utilizing carbon monoxide from industrial processes, which is often released into the atmosphere, causing pollution.
Innovation Solution
Engineering carboxydotrophic acetogenic microorganisms to express specific enzymes from the beta-alanine pathway, enabling the conversion of CO and/or CO2 into 3-HP through the combination of two separate CO2 fixation pathways, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional microbial fermentation methods are used for 3-HP production, then the process is simpler, but the productivity and titer of 3-HP are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate CO2 fixation pathways (the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway and the beta-alanine pathway) into a single integrated metabolic route that converts CO/CO2 directly to 3-HP. This merging of pathways allows the microorganism to utilize industrial carbon monoxide while achieving significantly higher 3-HP titers and productivity compared to traditional single-pathway fermentation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The engineered microorganism is designed to perform multiple functions: it fixes CO2 through two different pathways, converts CO to 3-HP, and can utilize industrial carbon monoxide as a substrate. This multi-functionality enables the system to address both productivity enhancement and waste gas utilization simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If industrial carbon monoxide is not utilized, then the fermentation process is simpler, but atmospheric pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful industrial carbon monoxide emissions into a valuable substrate for 3-HP production. By engineering the microorganism to express enzymes from the beta-alanine pathway, the system transforms toxic CO gas that would otherwise pollute the atmosphere into a feedstock for producing high-value chemical intermediates, thereby eliminating pollution while simplifying substrate procurement.
3Productivity
If single CO2 fixation pathway is used, then the metabolic pathway is simpler, but the 3-HP titer and productivity are lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates two distinct CO2 fixation pathways—the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway and the beta-alanine pathway—into a unified metabolic network. This combination enables the microorganism to channel carbon flux more efficiently toward 3-HP synthesis, achieving significantly higher titers (up to 111 g/L) and productivity compared to single-pathway systems.
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 significantly increases the titer and productivity of 3-HP from gaseous substrates, offering a sustainable and efficient means of producing 3-HP while utilizing industrial carbon monoxide, reducing atmospheric emissions, and providing a platform for producing valuable industrial chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
methods for the production of 3-HP by microbial fermentation of a substrate comprising CO and/or CO2
Implementation Method 2
the microorganism is adapted to express one or more enzymes (or one or more subunits thereof) in the 3-HP biosynthesis pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Microorganisms are genetically engineered to produce 3-hydroxypropionate (3-HP). The microorganisms are carboxydotrophic acetogens. The microorganisms produce acetyl-coA using the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway for fixing CO/CO2. A β-alanine pyruvate aminotransferase from a microorganism that contains such an enzyme is introduced. Additionally, an acetyl-coA carboxylase may also be introduced. The production of 3-HP can be improved. This can be effected by improved promoters or higher copy number or enzymes that are catalytically more efficient.