Overexpressing tRNA Genes to Boost Microbial Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for increasing biomass synthesis capacity in microorganisms, such as algae and cyanobacteria, are expensive and not scalable for commercial production, and none have targeted the regulation of protein synthesis mechanisms to enhance biomass production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the overexpression of tRNA molecules and genes involved in protein synthesis, specifically by cloning initiator tRNA genes into a vector and introducing it into microorganisms like Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, to increase protein synthesis rates and biomass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If growth regulators or alkaline pH methods are used to increase biomass synthesis capacity, then biomass production is enhanced, but production cost increases and scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of protein synthesis regulation by overexpressing specific genes (rfbA, rpsO, rplQ, rplP, rpsJ, rplC, rpsE, rpsL, rpsT, rpsK, rpsM, rpsN, rpsO, rpsP, rpsQ, rpsR, rpsS, rpsT, rpsU, rpsV, rpsW, rpsX, rpsY, rpsZ, rplA, rplB, rplC, rplD, rplE, rplF, rplG, rplH, rplJ, rplK, rplL, rplM, rplN, rplO, rplP, rplQ, rplR, rplS, rplT, rplU, rplV, rplW, rplX, rplY, rplZ) involved in protein synthesis pathways, thereby increasing biomass synthesis capacity without relying on expensive growth regulators or alkaline pH conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical approach of using external growth regulators and pH adjustment with a biological approach by modifying the organism's own genetic machinery to enhance protein synthesis capacity internally, making the process more scalable and cost-effective
2Productivity
If protein synthesis rates are increased by traditional methods, then biomass production improves, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the microorganism to self-regulate and enhance its own protein synthesis capacity through genetic modification, eliminating the need for external addition of expensive growth regulators or pH adjustment agents, thereby reducing production costs while improving protein synthesis rates
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 results in increased biomass synthesis capacity and productivity of desired products like biodiesel and high-value chemicals, demonstrated by higher optical density and growth rates of modified microorganisms compared to wild types.
Implementation Method 1
The process of protein biosynthesis involves three distinct steps whereby mRNA is translated into a polypeptide: initiation, elongation and termination
Implementation Method 2
Method for increasing the biomass synthesis capacity of photosynthetic microorganism
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for increasing biomass synthesis capacity of microorganisms. The method in accordance with the present disclosure comprises overexpressing the genes involved in protein synthesis to increase the levels of protein synthesis and thereby, increase the biomass synthesis capacity of the microorganisms. The present disclosure also provides a modified microorganism having increased biomass synthesis capacity.