Recombinant Microorganisms for Direct 2,4-FDCA Fermentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production cost of 2,4-furandicarboxylic acid (2,4-FDCA) is high due to the need for multiple synthetic steps, making it cost-prohibitive for industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A direct fermentation route is developed using recombinant microorganisms to convert glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate into 2,4-FDCA, bypassing traditional multi-step synthetic processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional multi-step synthetic processes are used to produce 2,4-FDCA, then the production process is well-established and reliable, but the production cost becomes prohibitively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction process reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental production parameter from chemical synthesis to biological fermentation, using recombinant microorganisms to convert sugars directly into 2,4-FDCA. This parameter change enables a more cost-effective production route while maintaining process reliability through controlled fermentation conditions and engineered metabolic pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical synthesis system with a biological system. Instead of using multiple chemical reaction steps, catalysts, and purification processes, the invention uses genetically engineered microorganisms to perform the synthesis biologically, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If direct fermentation route is used to produce 2,4-FDCA, then the production cost is reduced, but the technology requires development of recombinant microorganisms and enzymatic pathways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidbiological system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex biosynthetic pathway into discrete enzymatic steps, each catalyzed by a specific enzyme (phosphatase, dehydrogenase, oxidase). This segmentation allows for independent optimization and characterization of each enzymatic step, making the overall complex biological system more manageable and developable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal enzymatic catalysts that can function in the recombinant microorganism system. The identified enzymes (phosphatase, dehydrogenase, oxidase) serve multiple functions in the pathway and can be expressed in various host organisms, providing universality that reduces the complexity of developing strain-specific systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple sequential industrial steps are used for 2,5-FDCA production, then the process is well-defined, but the production cost remains high and limits industrial expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess definitionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential conversion steps from the complex multi-step industrial process and consolidates them into a direct fermentation pathway. By taking out only the necessary enzymatic conversions (sugar to HMF to FDCA) and implementing them in a single fermentation step, the invention reduces costs while maintaining sufficient process definition for industrial scaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 method enables the cost-effective production of 2,4-FDCA, potentially leading to the development of novel polymers and materials with improved properties for industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

A direct fermentation route is developed using recombinant microorganisms to convert glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate into 2,4-FDCA

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

The application also relates to methods of producing one or more of 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and 2,4-FDCA with enzymatic catalysts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS12215369B2Method for the in vivo synthesis of 4-hydroxymethylfurfural and derivatives thereof

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 BRASKEM SA

AI summary

The present disclosure provides recombinant microorganisms and methods for the production of 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA from a carbon source. The method provides for engineered microorganisms that express endogenous and/or exogenous nucleic acid molecules that catalyze the conversion of a carbon source into 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA. The disclosure further provides methods of producing polymers derived from 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA.