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Principles and practice of designing microbial biocatalysts for fuel and chemical production

Journal Article · · Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/jimb/kuab016· OSTI ID:1863151
Abstract

The finite nature of fossil fuels and the environmental impact of its use have raised interest in alternate renewable energy sources. Specifically, nonfood carbohydrates, such as lignocellulosic biomass, can be used to produce next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and other nonethanol fuels like butanol. However, currently there is no native microorganism that can ferment all lignocellulosic sugars to fuel molecules. Thus, research is focused on engineering improved microbial biocatalysts for production of liquid fuels at high productivity, titer, and yield. A clear understanding and application of the basic principles of microbial physiology and biochemistry are crucial to achieve this goal. In this review, we present and discuss the construction of microbial biocatalysts that integrate these principles with ethanol-producing Escherichia coli as an example of metabolic engineering. These principles also apply to fermentation of lignocellulosic sugars to other chemicals that are currently produced from petroleum.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDA; USDOE; USDOE Office of Policy and International Affairs (PO)
Grant/Contract Number:
PI0000031
OSTI ID:
1863151
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1781919
OSTI ID: 1904812
Journal Information:
Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Journal Name: Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 49; ISSN 1367-5435
Publisher:
Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English

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  • Hernández-Montalvo, Verónica; Martínez, Alfredo; Hernández-Chavez, Georgina
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