Reverse Beta-Oxidation in Biotechnology Applications
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Kemiantekniikan korkeakoulu |
Bachelor's thesis
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Date
2024-05-07
Department
Major/Subject
Chemical Engineering
Mcode
CHEM3054
Degree programme
Aalto Bachelor's Programme in Science and Technology
Language
en
Pages
27 + 8
Series
Abstract
To reduce the adverse effects of climate change and to ensure the long-term viability of the world’s energy systems, it is crucial to transition to sustainable energy sources. The usage of fossil fuels for energy and other commodities not only contribute to greenhouse gas emissions but also raise concerns about the depletion of the resources. Thus, the exploration of alternative energy sources, such as biofuels derived from renewable feedstocks are being highly researched. This process involves harnessing the metabolic capacities of microorganisms to produce valuable chemicals from renewable and commonly available simple substrates such as syngas, ethanol and plant oils. This thesis investigates the potential of the reverse Beta-oxidation pathway as a sustainable method for biofuel synthesis with the focus on the formation of butyryl-CoA from acetyl-CoA. Through a comprehensive review of enzymatic pathways, metabolic engineering strategies, and fermentation technologies, the thesis highlights the potentials and challenges in optimizing reverse Beta-oxidation. The key enzymes involved in the formation of butyryl-CoA are thiolase, hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, crotonase and butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. A detailed review of the activities and kinetics of these enzymes from different strains of bacterium is presented for comparison. The enzyme assays with the possible cofactors and substrates required for optimum yield from multiple studies is also presented in this thesis. Furthermore, the chain elongation reactions for the production of various chemicals from butyryl-CoA, and the intermediates of the reverse Beta-oxidation pathway is provided in this thesis as well to give insight on the possible chemicals that can be synthesized further from this reaction. These potential products have the ability to be utilized for various applications such as chemical, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Overall, this thesis provides and in-depth literature review of the potential of the reverse Beta-oxidation pathway for the production of valuable chemicals and biofuels while also transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.Description
Supervisor
Hummel, MichaelThesis advisor
Mateos, Enrique de DiosKeywords
reverse beta-oxidation, thiolase, hydroxybutyryl-coa dehydrogenase, crotonase, butyryl-coa dehydrogenase, clostridium