Pseudomonas-derived lipoxygenase-based recombinant E. coli and methods for producing hydroxy fatty acids and secondary fatty alcohols using the same

Bio-production of hydroxy fatty acids using E. coli expressing Pseudomonas lipoxygenase

This technology utilizes recombinant E. coli expressing a lipoxygenase gene derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a whole-cell biocatalyst to convert unsaturated fatty acids into hydroxy fatty acids. Co-expression of a decarboxylase derived from Chlorella enables the production of secondary fatty alcohols as well.

Hydroxy fatty acids and secondary fatty alcohols possess high reactivity and diverse functionality due to their hydroxyl groups, but they have been difficult to obtain as they exist only in trace amounts in nature. While previous attempts have been made to produce them using microorganisms, they were limited by the lack of a practical biocatalytic system.

This technology uses recombinant E. coli engineered to secrete enzymes into the periplasm or cytoplasm to convert renewable oil-derived fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, into hydroxy fatty acids like 13-HODE and 15-HETE. Applicable to oleochemical fields such as biodegradable plastics, lubricants, high-performance resins, and cosmetic ingredients, it enables a stable supply of rare fatty acids through microbial processes, replacing reliance on plant extraction.

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Key Features:

• Recombinant E. coli for hydroxy fatty acid production containing the lipoxygenase gene of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Recombinant E. coli where lipoxygenase is secreted into the periplasm or cytoplasm and used for whole-cell bioconversion
• Step of reacting recombinant E. coli with unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and oleic acid to produce and reduce hydroperoxy fatty acids
• Step of preparing recombinant E. coli for hydroxy fatty acid production by introducing the lipoxygenase gene of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 into E. coli

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for research on enhancing oxidase activity for the biosynthesis of high-value materials derived from fatty acids.

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