Producing Mandelic Acid from Glucose Using Engineered E. coli
Author Information
Author(s): Sun Zhoutong, Ning Yuanyuan, Liu Lixia, Liu Yingmiao, Sun Bingbing, Jiang Weihong, Yang Chen, Yang Sheng
Primary Institution: Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Hypothesis
Can E. coli be genetically modified to produce S- and R-mandelic acid directly from glucose?
Conclusion
The study successfully engineered E. coli strains to produce S- and R-mandelic acid directly from glucose.
Supporting Evidence
- The engineered E. coli strains produced 0.74 g/L of S-mandelic acid within 24 hours.
- The introduction of specific enzymes increased the yield of mandelic acid significantly.
- The study provides the first example of fermentative production of mandelic acid from renewable resources.
Takeaway
Scientists changed E. coli so it can make special acids called S- and R-mandelic acid from sugar instead of oil, which is better for the environment.
Methodology
The researchers modified the L-phenylalanine pathway in E. coli by introducing specific enzymes and deleting competing pathways to enhance mandelic acid production.
Limitations
The study did not address the potential toxicity of high phenylpyruvate concentrations to the host.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website