Innovation in metalloenzyme E.coli fermentation

The compounds used in the flavour and fragrance (F&F) and agrochemical (such as pesticides) industry today are produced through two main routes. Either through extraction from plant material, much of which is endangered or at very low concentrations, but produces natural compounds, or using synthetic means - multi-step traditional chemistry that typically produces high levels of waste and environmental impact (such as strong acids, heavy metals, high temperatures / energy usage and petrochemical-based feedstock). There is a high level of consumer-led demand for natural, or ‘green’, environmentally friendly F&F, fine-chemical and agrochemical components, which significantly outstrips the ability of natural sources and indeed conventional synthetic routes to sustainably provide. Oxford Biotrans (OB) is leading the way in creating industrial biotechnology routes to meet these needs. Through the use of enzyme biocatalysts, derived from fermentation (like brewing), the production of these high value chemicals can be achieved, in a green, sustainable manner. However, the state-of-the-art in fermentation methods to produce these complex metalloenzymes restricts the implementation of this technology to very highly priced compounds. This project aims to innovate OB’s current commercial fermentation process, increasing the yield and activity of the enzymes produced to drive down the cost of production. This is turn will enable the technology to be rolled out across many industries, to meet a host of compounds at economic scale.