Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel method for the biosynthesis of a native terpenoid from cellulose with high yield and selectivity.
Background:
With a growing need to identify sustainable chemical production methods for replacing conventional petrochemical synthesis, bioengineered microorganisms have been increasingly utilized for producing commodity chemicals and natural products such as terpenoids and polyketides. Terpenoids have found a wide array of commercial applications, ranging from cosmetics, foods, personal care products and even pharmaceutical compounds. The enzymes within these bioengineered microorganisms not only exhibit great biodegradability, but they can also catalyze specific reactions with high precision. For example, the total synthesis of terpenoids from commercially available materials can be challenging due to their complex functionality and multiple stereocenters, but these issues can be addressed through genetic engineering of enzymes. However, current genetic manipulations can be unpredictable. There is a need to include multifunctionality within genetically engineered enzymes to enhance their catalytic efficiency and reduce chemical production costs.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers have developed a method to genetically engineer Y. lipolytica to increase sustainable production of valuable terpenoids. A novel terpenoid named farnesyl diacid can be produced within this microorganism directly from cellulose. Through genetic manipulations, a 143-fold increase in farnesyl diacid production over the wild-type strain can be achieved. This technology employed by the inventors improves the enzyme’s multifunctionality by expanding its capability to produce a diverse range of chemical products within a single enzymatic reaction. Professor Park and his team thus demonstrate improved methods for protein engineering for improved selectivity of novel biomolecules with potential commercial value.
Potential Applications:
- Biomanufacturing
- Enzyme engineering
- Biocatalysts
- Organic building block for pharmaceuticals
- Natural product synthesis
- Biosynthesis
- Cosmetic and personal care compounds
- Pharmaceutical development
Advantages:
- Sustainable production of multiple terpenoids
- High yields, high product selectivity
- Untapped chemical space of natural product biosynthesis
- Improved enzyme multifunctionality
- Novel biomolecule production
Development-To-Date:
Successful demonstration of concept has been completed by the inventors.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2023-238
Lead Inventor:
Junyoung Park