Biosynthesis of bioplastics from CO2 by Cupriavidus necatorH16
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biological processes based on fermentation of one carbon (C1) feedstocks (such as carbon dioxide and methane) have a great potential in supporting the future sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from non-food resources. In addition, these processes would greatly contribute to the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by converting waste gasses from steel manufacturing, oil refining, coal and natural/shale gas into valuable products. Cupriavidus necator H16 (formerly known as Ralstonia eutropha) is a Gram-negative, non-spore forming, facultatively chemolithoautotrophic bacterium able to grow on organic substrates or H2 and CO2 under aerobic conditions. Its ability to grow on CO2 as sole carbon source makes it an attractive chassis organism for the sustainable production of high value platform chemicals from waste gasses. Under nutrient limiting conditions, C. necator is capable of synthesizing large amounts (up to 92%) of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB, a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer. This naturally synthesised bioplastic has relatively poor physical, thermal and mechanical properties (very brittle, highly crystalline, has a high melting temperature). Production of alternative homopolymers and copolymers with improved properties from cheap and abundant feedstock is therefore greatly desired.
AIM: The aim of this project is to metabolically engineer Cupriavidus necator H16 to produce non-natural homopolymers with desired physical and mechanical properties, such as 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) and copolymers containing 3HP (ie. poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HP-co-3HB))) from CO2. The project will integrate with current projects optimising the production of monomers for the synthesis of novel PHAs.
THE TRAINING: The project will be carried out within the BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC) at Nottingham which comprises 90+ graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The study will allow for training in a unique multidisciplinary environment, incorporating aerobic gas fermentation, Synthetic Biology, microbial physiology, metabolic engineering and computer modelling.
AIM: The aim of this project is to metabolically engineer Cupriavidus necator H16 to produce non-natural homopolymers with desired physical and mechanical properties, such as 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) and copolymers containing 3HP (ie. poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HP-co-3HB))) from CO2. The project will integrate with current projects optimising the production of monomers for the synthesis of novel PHAs.
THE TRAINING: The project will be carried out within the BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC) at Nottingham which comprises 90+ graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The study will allow for training in a unique multidisciplinary environment, incorporating aerobic gas fermentation, Synthetic Biology, microbial physiology, metabolic engineering and computer modelling.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/10/2024 | |||
| 1803619 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2020 |
| Description | Cupriavidus necator H16 (Ralstonia eutropha) is capable of producing bioplastics from carbon dioxide (CO2) however the plastic produced is brittle and hard to shape, increasing production costs and limiting commercial viability. To improve the plastics produced, we are trying to change the properties of the plastic by including different compounds in the composition of the plastic. So far we have found that we can get Cupriavidus necator to produce these different compounds, but we can't get it to incorporate these compounds into the plastic efficiently. Currently we are working on improving this. |
| Exploitation Route | Now that we are able to produce polymers with improved properties from organic compounds and precursors, others can take this knowledge and work on getting this pathway to work directly from CO2. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Science in the Park (Wollaton Park) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Science fair held in Wollaton Hall, Wollaton Park, Nottingham in March 2017. Presenters were asked to have stall discussing an important topic in any given field of science they are involved in. Me and my team discussed the issue of antibiotic resistance, why it is a problem, and what can be done about it. We also explained why doctors do not always prescribe antibiotics, as certain illnesses can't be treated by them. The stalls involved presentations of approximately 10 minutes to explain these themes to the audience, who were moving through the building throughout the day. The children were excited by the visual displays and parents/adults told us they felt more informed about the topic. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |