Recombinant E. coli for Carotenoid Production and Uses Thereof

Carotenoid production using E. coli expressing lactic acid bacteria-derived crtM and crtN

This technology utilizes recombinant E. coli engineered with the FPP synthesis pathway and crtM and crtN genes from L. plantarum to produce the C30 carotenoid 4,4'-diaponeurosporene.

Carotenoids are used in food coloring, cosmetics, functional foods, and feed additives for their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, but they must be sourced externally as the human body cannot synthesize them. Lactic acid bacteria that produce these compounds are difficult to cultivate and have low yields, limiting their industrial use.

By maintaining culture temperatures between 20 and 30°C and eliminating IPTG induction, this technology increases 4,4'-diaponeurosporene production by over 10-fold. It enables cost-effective carotenoid production via E. coli fermentation for food, functional materials, and feed additives without the need for expensive inducers.

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Key Features:

• Recombinant E. coli with an intrinsic FPP synthesis pathway and introduced lactic acid bacteria-derived crtM and crtN genes
• Recombinant E. coli expressing genes derived from L. plantarum subsp. plantarum, cultured at 20 to 30°C
• A composition for producing 4,4'-diaponeurosporene comprising recombinant E. coli with introduced crtM and crtN genes
• A process comprising culturing recombinant E. coli at 20 to 30°C to produce 4,4'-diaponeurosporene and recovering the product

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for the development of anti-cancer pharmabiotics utilizing functional lactic acid bacteria that biosynthesize 4,4'-diaponeurosporene.

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