Production of the terpenoid-based biofuel α-bisabolene by metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum


Atas Erden B., Seeger J., Avci F. G., Wendisch V. F., SARIYAR AKBULUT B.

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, cilt.41, sa.10, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 41 Sayı: 10
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11274-025-04588-0
  • Dergi Adı: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ABI/INFORM, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Biofuel production, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Metabolic engineering, Sustainability, α-Bisabolene
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The depletion of fossil resources and their detrimental impact on global climate change necessitate the development of sustainable, renewable alternatives. Advanced fuels derived from microbial fermentation represent a promising route towards reducing dependency on petroleum-derived energy sources. In this respect, terpenoids emerge as attractive candidates for biofuel applications. Among terpenoids, α-bisabolene, a plant-derived sesquiterpenoid, has attracted attention as a potential diesel substitute owing to its high energy density and favorable combustion properties. In this study, the biotechnologically well-established Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum was metabolically engineered for the biosynthesis of α-bisabolene for the first time. C. glutamicum exhibited robust growth in the presence of up to 1 g/L exogenously added α-bisabolene, showing its suitability as a host for α-bisabolene production. Among the different solvents for in situ product recovery, isopropyl myristate was identified as the most suitable to capture α-bisabolene, yielding 87.1 ± 7.1 mg/L. To address the “food vs. fuel” debate, α-bisabolene biosynthesis was achieved on glycerol, arabinose, and xylose, offering further sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By overexpressing dxs and idi, the production was increased to 296.5 ± 15.9 mg/L. This study broadens the biofuel product spectrum of C. glutamicum and supports their production based on alternative carbon sources.