Synthesis of bioproducts from lignin-derived aromatics by genetically modified microorganisms
Inventors
Gladden, John M. • Skerker, Jeffrey M. • Keasling, Jay D. • Kirby, James • Yaegashi, Junko
Assignees
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-11384367-B2
Publication Date
2022-07-12
Expiration Date
2037-12-20
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Abstract
The present invention provides for a method of converting a depolymerized lignin aromatic compound into a bioproduct, comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising a depolymerized lignin aromatic compound, optionally a depolymerized cellulose, and optionally a depolymerized hemicellulose, and (b) introducing a genetically modified microorganism to the composition, wherein the genetically modified microorganism is capable of converting the depolymerized lignin aromatic compound into a bioproduct; such that the depolymerized lignin aromatic compound is converted into a bioproduct.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for converting depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds into bioproducts by introducing genetically modified microorganisms capable of this conversion. The method involves providing a composition comprising depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds, optionally depolymerized cellulose and hemicellulose, and introducing a genetically modified microorganism that can convert these lignin-derived aromatic compounds into a bioproduct, thereby enabling the bioconversion of lignin components.
The background identifies the problem that lignocellulosic biomass, composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is the most abundant renewable carbon source, yet efforts to convert biomass to biofuels or chemicals have mainly focused on cellulose and hemicellulose. Lignin, due to its heterogeneity and recalcitrance to depolymerization, remains underutilized and is often burned for heat, limiting the economic viability and sustainability of biorefineries. None of the existing microbes can convert all three biomass components, including lignin, into a single bioproduct effectively.
The invention addresses this problem by employing genetically modified microorganisms, such as certain fungi and bacteria, capable of converting depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds into useful bioproducts, including biolipids, bioterpenes, or ionic liquids. The invention further provides compositions comprising these microorganisms and depolymerized lignin-derived aromatics, enabling improved valorization of lignin and integration into biodiesel or bioproduct production from lignocellulose feedstocks.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims focusing on mixtures and compositions of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds and methods of converting these compounds using genetically modified microorganisms. Three main inventive features are identified corresponding to the independent claims.
Mixture of bioproducts from depolymerized lignin aromatics
A mixture of bioproducts produced by converting a mixture of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds using genetically modified microorganisms capable of converting each of the depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds into bioproducts; the mixture includes specific chemical structures of depolymerized lignin aromatics.
Composition comprising mixture of depolymerized lignin aromatics and genetically modified microorganism
A composition comprising a mixture of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds with specified chemical structures and a genetically modified microorganism capable of converting these lignin aromatic compounds into bioproducts; the microorganism may be fungal or bacterial from specified genera including Rhodotorula, Rhodosporidium, Exophiala, Delftia, and Rhodococcus.
Method of converting depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds into bioproducts using genetically modified microorganisms
A method comprising providing a composition containing a mixture of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds of defined chemical structures and introducing a genetically modified microorganism of specific fungal or bacterial genera to convert the depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds into bioproducts. The method optionally includes a prior step of contacting lignocellulosic biomass with depolymerization agents such as NaOH, CuSO4, metal oxides, ionic liquids, hydrogen peroxide, Fenton's reagent, or related chemicals to yield the depolymerized lignin aromatics.
The inventive features cover mixtures and compositions of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds with genetically modified microorganisms from specific genera for bioconversion, and methods including pretreatment and depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass followed by microbial conversion to produce bioproducts. These reflect integrated processes enhancing lignin valorization via engineered microbial strains.
Stated Advantages
The genetically modified microorganisms can convert mixtures of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds into biofuels and other bioproducts, improving lignin utilization.
The microbial conversion platform allows simultaneous utilization of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin components from lignocellulosic biomass, potentially increasing biorefinery efficiency and economic viability.
The genetic modification enables stable production of bioproducts without the need for heterologous inducers or antibiotic selection, lowering operational costs.
The methods and compositions are compatible with one-pot or single-unit pretreatment, saccharification, and fermentation processes, which reduce capital and operating expenses and wastewater treatment requirements.
Documented Applications
Conversion of depolymerized lignin aromatic compounds, along with depolymerized cellulose and hemicellulose, into biofuels such as biodiesel and terpene fuels
Production of pharmaceutical compounds like amorphadiene and artemisinin precursors by genetically modified microorganisms
Use of oleaginous microorganisms such as Rhodosporidium toruloides to produce advanced biofuels and bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates
Integration into lignocellulosic biorefineries for valorization of lignin streams through biological conversion into valuable bioproducts
Production of ionic liquids from lignin-derived components for recycling back into biomass pretreatment processes
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