New Enzyme Catalyst for the Production of Functionalized Molecules Using Escherichia Coli

One of the greatest concerns in the world right now is the use of non-renewable chemicals. In an attempt to diminish their use in the chemical industry, a group of researchers got together to produce bio-renewable materials through biological and chemical catalysis systems integration. Progress has been made by conducting fundamental research to address the underlying technical challenges in the development of new integrated catalytic systems. These will aid in the conversion of bio-based feedstock to industrial chemicals. The program behind this initiative has been divided in three Thrusts, and our part of Thrust 1 involves the use of genetically engineered Escherichia Coli for the creation of novel enzyme catalysts capable of (efficiently) converting glucose to the suite of molecules shown below. We have cloned all the genes known to catalyze reactions A-H shown below. In addition, the first four protein expressions have been characterized.