Fermentative production of B-ketoadipate from gaseous substrates
Inventors
Daniell, James • Koepke, Michael • Jensen, Rasmus Overgaard
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12134794-B2
Publication Date
2024-11-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided herein are microorganisms and methods for fermentative production of β-ketoadipate from gaseous substrates such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and/or hydrogen (H2). Additionally, the processes provided herein are methods for producing polymers containing β-ketoadipate, that can potentially enable a circular economy by diverting waste, e.g., plastic waste.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a C1-fixing microorganism engineered to include heterologous enzymes for formation of β-ketoadipate. The microorganism comprises a heterologous enzyme 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase having EC number 2.3.1.- and a heterologous enzyme β-ketoadipate-CoA transferase having EC number 2.8.3.6.
The described engineering optionally includes additional enzymes, including fumarate reductase (EC 1.3.1.6) and other native enzymes. The disclosed approach situates these enzymes within the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway context of C1-fixing microorganisms.
A stated example describes β-ketoadipate production from gaseous C1 substrates including CO, CO2, and H2, with syngas or industrial waste gas as representative gaseous sources. The document frames the overall problem as enabling fermentative production of β-ketoadipate from C1 feedstocks and using β-ketoadipate in polymer applications, with stated advantages versus petrochemical nylon.
Claims Coverage
The document contains one independent claim. The independent claim focuses on a C1-fixing microorganism defined by two specific heterologous enzymes with stated EC numbers, for a total of two inventive features.
C1-fixing microorganism with heterologous 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase
A C1-fixing microorganism comprising a heterologous enzyme 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase having EC number 2.3.1.-.
C1-fixing microorganism with heterologous β-ketoadipate-CoA transferase
A C1-fixing microorganism comprising a heterologous enzyme β-ketoadipate-CoA transferase having EC number 2.8.3.6.
Overall, claim coverage centers on engineering a C1-fixing microorganism with heterologous 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase (EC 2.3.1.-) and heterologous β-ketoadipate-CoA transferase (EC 2.8.3.6), with dependent claims refining the organism and adding further enzymes or refining downstream production aspects.
Stated Advantages
Energy efficiency versus petrochemical nylon.
Improved polymer properties versus petrochemical nylon.
Documented Applications
Fermentative production of β-ketoadipate from gaseous C1 substrates including CO, CO2, and H2 (e.g., syngas or industrial waste gas).
Polymer production by incorporating β-ketoadipate into polymers, including β-ketoadipate-nylon.
Interested in licensing this patent?