Method for producing medium-chain fatty acids and omega-hydroxy fatty acids from long-chain fatty acids

Bio-production of medium-chain fatty acids and omega-hydroxy fatty acids using BVMO-transformed microorganisms

This technology utilizes microorganisms transformed with BVMO (Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase) genes derived from Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus to break down long-chain fatty acids (C16–C20) into medium-chain fatty acids and omega-hydroxy fatty acids (C5–C14).

Omega-hydroxy fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids are widely used in plastic monomers, adhesives, fragrances, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, but they are rarely found in nature. Consequently, production has relied on organic synthesis methods involving high temperatures, high pressures, strong acids, and toxic catalysts, which pose significant environmental and safety concerns.

This technology converts plant-based long-chain fatty acids, such as oleic and ricinoleic acid, into high-value medium-chain compounds like heptanoic, nonanoic, and omega-hydroxynonanoic acid through enzymatic reactions. By co-expressing hydratase, dehydrogenase, and esterase, conversion efficiency is further enhanced. This eco-friendly process enables the production of fine chemical materials from renewable sources for use in bioplastic monomers, fragrances, cosmetics, surfactants, and lubricants, eliminating the need for hazardous chemical processes.

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Key Features:

• Culturing transformed microorganisms containing BVMO-coding genes derived from Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens, or Rhodococcus jostii in a medium containing long-chain fatty acids
• Recovering medium-chain fatty acids and omega-hydroxy fatty acids from the culture to produce these compounds from long-chain fatty acids
• A process for generating heptanoic and nonanoic acids using C16–C20 long-chain fatty acids, such as oleic, ricinoleic, 12-hydroxystearic, and lesquerolic acid, as raw materials
• A culture method involving the additional introduction of hydratase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and esterase genes into the transformed microorganisms, followed by the supply of long-chain fatty acids after carbon source depletion

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs for the development of marine biomass-based C5/C6 polyester bioplastic production technology.

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