Biomanufacturing of alpha olefins from triglycerides using enzyme engineering

Overview

This innovative biomanufacturing process focuses on converting triglycerides into high-value alpha olefins through advanced enzyme engineering. By leveraging the UndB gene, the process offers a one-step biocatalytic pathway that is both cost-effective and efficient. The integration of lipase hydrolysis for in situ generation of fatty acid precursors enhances the overall efficiency, making it suitable for industrial applications. This approach simplifies the production of terminal alkenes, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Utilizes the UndB gene for enzyme engineering, focusing on substrate specificity to enhance performance.
• Employs a one-step biocatalysis process combining lipase hydrolysis and UndB-mediated olefin synthesis.
• Uses inexpensive hydrogen peroxide, eliminating the need for additional activation enzymes, thus reducing costs.
• Incorporates high-throughput screening and AI-based protein engineering for optimizing enzyme candidates.

Process details:

• Initial selection and optimization of lipases for effective triglyceride hydrolysis.
• Screening of UndB enzyme variants for activity against fatty acids of chain lengths 8-16.
• Integration of optimized enzymes into a microbial chassis for pilot-scale demonstration.

Technology readiness level

Currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, this process is in the early stages of feasibility studies and lab-scale validation. Future steps include pilot-scale demonstration and further optimization for commercial viability within a projected six-month timeframe.