Metabolic engineering of for production of mixed isoprenoid alcohols and their derivatives.

Background: Current petroleum-derived fuels such as gasoline (C-C) and diesel (C-C) are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons with different chain lengths and chemical structures. Isoprenoids are hydrocarbon-based compounds with different carbon chain lengths and diverse chemical structures, similar to petroleum. Thus, isoprenoid alcohols such as isopentenol (C), geraniol (C), and farnesol (C) have been considered to be ideal biofuel candidates.

Isoprene production by Escherichia coli through the exogenous mevalonate pathway with reduced formation of fermentation byproducts.

Background: Isoprene, a volatile C5 hydrocarbon, is an important platform chemical used in the manufacturing of synthetic rubber for tires and various other applications, such as elastomers and adhesives.

Results: In this study, Escherichia coli MG1655 harboring Populus trichocarpa isoprene synthase (PtispS) and the exogenous mevalonate (MVA) pathway produced 80 mg/L isoprene. Codon optimization and optimal expression of the ispS gene via adjustment of the RBS strength and inducer concentration increased isoprene production to 199 and 337 mg/L, respectively.

Farnesol production in Escherichia coli through the construction of a farnesol biosynthesis pathway - application of PgpB and YbjG phosphatases.

Farnesol is a sesquiterpenoid alcohol that has important industrial and medical potential. It is usually synthesized from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) by farnesol synthase in plants. FPP accumulation can cause up-regulation of phosphatases capable of FPP hydrolysis, resulting in farnesol production in Escherichia coli.