ProjectCyanophycin production with a novel biocatalyst and functionalization for improved material properties

Basic data

Title:
Cyanophycin production with a novel biocatalyst and functionalization for improved material properties
Duration:
01/04/2024 to 31/03/2028
Abstract / short description:
Biological systems can provide manufacturing solutions that are less energy intensive compared to
fossil-fueled processes. Thereby, they help reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions while
meeting an increasing demand for commercially relevant chemicals, such as polymers. Cyanophycin
(multi-L-Arginyl-Poly-L-Aspartate) is a nitrogen-rich biopolymer produced by various bacteria.
Currently, its production can be achieved photosynthetically with cyanobacteria, which poses
limitations in terms of productivity in this light-dependent process. The application of cyanophycin has
so far been limited by its poor solubility and its amorphous structure. Recently, through esterification,
we succeeded in converting cyanophycin into a highly promising polycationic polymer with manifold
application options. Here, we aim to transfer the know-how from cyanobacteria to acetogenic bacteria
to produce cyanophycin from hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which alleviates the limitations
of the light-dependent system. Furthermore, we will explore applications of various cyanophycinesters
as novel biomaterials. This will provide a platform to recycle waste streams from industries (H2
+ CO2 or synthesis gas), contributing to a circular economy. We anticipate the production of high-value
materials with promising properties for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, as well as
a broad impact on the technological, environmental, and economic levels.
Keywords:
functionalized biopolymers
metabolic engineering
acetogenic bacteria
synthesis gas fermentation
carbon recovery

Involved staff

Managers

Department of Geoscience
Faculty of Science
Center for Applied Geoscience
Department of Geoscience, Faculty of Science

Contact persons

Center for Applied Geoscience
Department of Geoscience, Faculty of Science
Faculty of Science
University of Tübingen
Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT)
Interfaculty Institutes

Other staff

Department of Geoscience
Faculty of Science

Local organizational units

Department of Geoscience
Faculty of Science
University of Tübingen

Funders

Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
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