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Lignin valorization to bioplastics with an aromatic hub metabolite-based autoregulation system

Author

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  • Yiquan Zhao

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Le Xue

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhiyi Huang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Zixian Lei

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Shiyu Xie

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhenzhen Cai

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xinran Rao

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Ze Zheng

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Ning Xiao

    (Guangxi Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaoyu Zhang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Fuying Ma

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Hongbo Yu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Shangxian Xie

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Guangxi Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Exploring microorganisms with downstream synthetic advantages in lignin valorization is an effective strategy to increase target product diversity and yield. This study ingeniously engineers the non-lignin-degrading bacterium Ralstonia eutropha H16 (also known as Cupriavidus necator H16) to convert lignin, a typically underutilized by-product of biorefinery, into valuable bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The aromatic metabolism capacities of R. eutropha H16 for different lignin-derived aromatics (LDAs) are systematically characterized and complemented by integrating robust functional modules including O-demethylation, aromatic aldehyde metabolism and the mitigation of by-product inhibition. A pivotal discovery is the regulatory element PcaQ, which is highly responsive to the aromatic hub metabolite protocatechuic acid during lignin degradation. Based on the computer-aided design of PcaQ, we develop a hub metabolite-based autoregulation (HMA) system. This system can control the functional genes expression in response to heterologous LDAs and enhance metabolism efficiency. Multi-module genome integration and directed evolution further fortify the strain’s stability and lignin conversion capacities, leading to PHB production titer of 2.38 g/L using heterologous LDAs as sole carbon source. This work not only marks a leap in bioplastic production from lignin components but also provides a strategy to redesign the non-LDAs-degrading microbes for efficient lignin valorization.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiquan Zhao & Le Xue & Zhiyi Huang & Zixian Lei & Shiyu Xie & Zhenzhen Cai & Xinran Rao & Ze Zheng & Ning Xiao & Xiaoyu Zhang & Fuying Ma & Hongbo Yu & Shangxian Xie, 2024. "Lignin valorization to bioplastics with an aromatic hub metabolite-based autoregulation system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-53609-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53609-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhi-Hua Liu & Naijia Hao & Yun-Yan Wang & Chang Dou & Furong Lin & Rongchun Shen & Renata Bura & David B. Hodge & Bruce E. Dale & Arthur J. Ragauskas & Bin Yang & Joshua S. Yuan, 2021. "Transforming biorefinery designs with ‘Plug-In Processes of Lignin’ to enable economic waste valorization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Chio, Chonlong & Sain, Mohini & Qin, Wensheng, 2019. "Lignin utilization: A review of lignin depolymerization from various aspects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 232-249.
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