RuBisCo Amino Acid Engineering for Sustainable Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for supplementing methionine and lysine in animal feeds are costly and unsustainable, particularly in aquaculture and non-ruminant farming, as they rely on processed animal sources, and existing efforts to enhance RuBisCo's CO2 fixation have been limited in success.
Innovation Solution
Genetic constructs are developed to increase the abundance of methionine and lysine in RuBisCo by codon swaps in the RbcL unit, leading to stable expression and improved amino acid profiles in algae biomass, enhancing the protein's nutritional value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If processed animal sources are used to supplement methionine and lysine in feeds, then the amino acid requirements are met, but the sustainability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid composition of RuBisCo protein through genetic engineering. Specifically, it alters the protein's primary structure to increase methionine and lysine content, transforming the nutritional parameters of the protein to meet feed requirements without relying on animal sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a synthetic version of RuBisCo protein with enhanced amino acid profile. By copying the natural protein structure and modifying it through codon optimization and amino acid substitution, it produces an improved protein that replicates the essential functions while achieving superior nutritional value for feed applications
2Productivity
If RuBisCo is engineered for enhanced CO2 fixation, then the carbon fixation efficiency is improved, but the amino acid composition for human nutrition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the traditional engineering approach by changing the amino acid composition parameters first. Instead of optimizing for CO2 fixation, it modifies the protein to enhance methionine and lysine content through codon swaps and amino acid substitutions, thereby improving nutritional value while maintaining protein functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional engineering logic by prioritizing nutritional improvement over functional enhancement. Rather than engineering RuBisCo for better CO2 fixation and then assessing nutritional value, it engineers the protein specifically for enhanced amino acid content, making nutrition the primary optimization target
3Quantity of substance
If the quantity of methionine and lysine in RuBisCo is doubled, then the protein score for human nutrition is improved, but the protein's structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making targeted amino acid substitutions at specific positions within the RuBisCo protein structure. Rather than randomly increasing amino acid content, it strategically introduces methionine and lysine at locations that minimize disruption to the overall protein fold and stability while maximizing nutritional value
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the degree of amino acid substitution to achieve the desired nutritional improvement without exceeding structural tolerance. By adjusting the number and position of codon swaps, it optimizes the balance between enhanced amino acid content and maintenance of protein stability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving a ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo) to have a higher protein score is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: making a modified RbcL of the RuBisCo, by, on an RbcL unit of the RuBisCo, either substituting Met for Leu, Phe, Val, or Ile or combinations thereof; substituting Lys for Arg, Thr, or His or combinations thereof; or both of these substitutions. The modified RbcL consequently modifies the RuBisCo and is added to a biomass host where it is stable for homologous recombination. Plastid and nucleus integration was observed. Example RbcL sequences are disclosed with the desirable substitutions. The improved RuBisCo can be used as an improved proteinaceous food source for humans and animals.