Efficient phototrophic production of a high-value sesquiterpenoid from the eukaryotic microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Kyle J. Lauersen, Thomas Baier, Julian Wichmann, Robin Wördenweber, Jan H. Mussgnug, Wolfgang Hübner, Thomas Huser, Olaf Kruse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

103 Scopus citations

Abstract

The heterologous expression of terpene synthases in microbial hosts has opened numerous possibilities for bioproduction of desirable metabolites. Photosynthetic microbial hosts present a sustainable alternative to traditional fermentative systems, using freely available (sun)light and carbon dioxide as inputs for bio-production. Here, we report the expression of a patchoulol synthase from Pogostemon cablin Benth in the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The sesquiterpenoid patchoulol was produced from the alga and was used as a marker of sesquiterpenoid production capacity. A novel strategy for gene loading was employed and patchoulol was produced up to 922±242 µg g −1 CDW in six days. We additionally investigated the effect of carbon source on sesquiterpenoid productivity from C. reinhardtii in scale-up batch cultivations. It was determined that up to 1.03 mg L −1 sesquiterpenoid products could be produced in completely photoautotrophic conditions and that the alga exhibited altered sesquiterpenoid production metabolism related to carbon source.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalMetabolic Engineering
Volume38
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

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