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Microbes Produce High Yields of Fatty Alcohols from Glucose

IP Title

CELLS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING FATTY ALCOHOLS

Technology Benefits

Some of the highest yields ever reported using E. coli and glucoseOther organisms such as yeast or Gram-positive bacteria may be used.

Technology Application

Production of fatty alcohols for biofuels (e.g., jet fuel) or specialty chemicals

Detailed Technology Description

Fatty alcohols are used in detergents, emulsifiers, lubricants and personal care items. More than 1.3 million tons of fatty alcohols are used worldwide each year, representing a $3 billion market. Currently, fatty alcohols are produced either through the processing of natural fats and oils or from petrochemicals. As both routes require biodiesel or petrochemical fuel stocks, microbial production of fatty alcohols from renewable sugars is a promising alternative. To be economically competitive, microorganism-based methods must boost titers and yields.UW–Madison researchers have developed a method to produce fatty alcohols such as 1-dodecanol and 1-tetradecanol from glucose using genetically engineered microorganisms. The organism, e.g., a modified E. coli strain, overexpresses several genes (including FadD and a recombinant thioesterase gene, acyl-CoA synthetase gene and acyl-CoA reductase gene). Other gene products are functionally deleted to maximize performance. The strain is cultured in a bioreactor in the presence of glucose.

Application Date

Oct 8, 2014

Application No.

9,708,630

Others

WARF reference number P09329US02 describes genetically modified E. coli that are capable of overproducing fatty acid precursors for medium- to long-chain hydrocarbons.

http://www.warf.org/technologies/summary/P09329US02.cmsx

Youngquist J.T., Schumacher M.H., Rose J.P., Raines T.C., Politz M.C., Copeland M.F. and Pfleger B.F. 2013. Production of Medium Chain Length Fatty Alcohols from Glucose in Escherichia coli. Metabolic Engineering. 20, 177-186.

Country/Region

USA

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