• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1999-2008
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• 2018

The compound 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), an important bio-based monomer for the production of various polymers, can be obtained from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). However, efficient production of FDCA from HMF via biocatalysis has not been well studied. In this study, we report the identification of key genes that are involved in FDCA synthesis and then the engineering of Raoultella ornithinolytica BF60 for biocatalytic oxidation of HMF to FDCA using its resting cells. Specifically, previously unknown candidate genes, adhP3 and alkR, which were responsible for the reduction of HMF to the undesired product 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (HMF alcohol), were identified by transcriptomic analysis. Combinatorial deletion of these two genes resulted in 85.7% reduction in HMF alcohol formation and 23.7% improvement in FDCA production (242.0 mM). Subsequently, an aldehyde dehydrogenase, AldH, which was responsible for the oxidation of the intermediate 5-formyl-2-furoic acid (FFA) to FDCA, was identified and characterized. Finally, FDCA production was further improved by overexpressing AldH, resulting in a 96.2% yield of 264.7 mM FDCA. Importantly, the identification of these key genes not only contributes to our understanding of the FDCA synthesis pathway in R. ornithinolytica BF60 but also allows for improved FDCA production efficiency. Moreover, this work is likely to provide a valuable reference for producing other furanic chemicals.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.280-289
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• 2019

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and its derivatives, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF), are regarded as the "sleeping giants" owing to their wide range of applications and a good alternative source for the production of significant chemicals in almost all kind of industries. This mini-review briefly covers the aspects related to the syntheses, transformation, and applications for the biomass-derived platform chemicals from past to most recent. Many scientific efforts have continuously been made to find out the environmental benign applicable ways in order to achieve the full advantage of these renewable materials because of not only to protect the globe but also shield the future of new generations. One of the best solutions could be the development and utilization of platform chemicals from the natural biomass.