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An engineered pathway for the biosynthesis of renewable propane

Author

Listed:
  • Pauli Kallio

    (University of Turku)

  • András Pásztor

    (University of Turku)

  • Kati Thiel

    (University of Turku)

  • M. Kalim Akhtar

    (University of Turku
    Present address: Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK)

  • Patrik R. Jones

    (University of Turku
    Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building)

Abstract

The deployment of next-generation renewable biofuels can be enhanced by improving their compatibility with the current infrastructure for transportation, storage and utilization. Propane, the bulk component of liquid petroleum gas, is an appealing target as it already has a global market. In addition, it is a gas under standard conditions, but can easily be liquefied. This allows the fuel to immediately separate from the biocatalytic process after synthesis, yet does not preclude energy-dense storage as a liquid. Here we report, for the first time, a synthetic metabolic pathway for producing renewable propane. The pathway is based on a thioesterase specific for butyryl-acyl carrier protein (ACP), which allows native fatty acid biosynthesis of the Escherichia coli host to be redirected towards a synthetic alkane pathway. Propane biosynthesis is markedly stimulated by the introduction of an electron-donating module, optimizing the balance of O2 supply and removal of native aldehyde reductases.

Suggested Citation

  • Pauli Kallio & András Pásztor & Kati Thiel & M. Kalim Akhtar & Patrik R. Jones, 2014. "An engineered pathway for the biosynthesis of renewable propane," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms5731
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5731
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    Cited by:

    1. Eric Johnson, 2019. "Process Technologies and Projects for BioLPG," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-29, January.
    2. Alanne, Kari & Cao, Sunliang, 2019. "An overview of the concept and technology of ubiquitous energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 284-302.

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