Cellulosomes: a versatile enzymatic scaffold platform for bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added fine chemicals

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable and sustainable resource for production of fuels and value-added chemicals. In this context, we have devised an experimental approach to combine lignocellulosic biomass breakdown with direct conversion of the released monomers into fine chemicals. We hypothesize that by mimicking natural cellulosomes, we could design a mini-cellulosome, which will act on lignocellulosic biomass to release ferulic acid and sugar monomers. Following cellular uptake, an engineered biotransformation module will convert ferulic acid into coniferyl alcohol. This consolidated approach will feature enzyme production, enzymatic hydrolysis, and biotransformation processes in a single microorganism. The project is based on the combined experience and expertise of the two coordinating research groups in the areas of cellulosome analysis and the design of biosynthetic pathways for biotransformation. The results will be a proof of concept regarding the design of an extracellular enzymatic platform coupled with biosynthetic pathways to produce fine chemicals. The outcomes from this project will open opportunities to develop new and more robust biorefinery platforms that can be applied to consolidated bioprocessing. (AU)