Conversion of cellulose into a novel platform chemical using fungus

Date: 24-May-2024

Country: Germany

Application

• The project enables the sustainable production of erythro-isocitric acid, which can be converted into valuable chemicals like itaconic acid for sustainable plastics and coatings. Additionally, erythro-isocitric acid can be used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and as a chiral building block in chemical syntheses.

Description

The project, led by the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, focuses on developing a new, cost-effective process for producing erythro-isocitric acid using the fungus Talaromyces verruculosus. This process, known as consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), combines multiple steps into a single operation, enabling the fungus to directly convert lignocellulose from plant waste into isocitric acid without the need for expensive enzymes. The resulting erythro-isocitric acid has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, sustainable plastics, and other industries, offering a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to current methods. The researchers aim to optimize the process and collaborate with industrial partners to scale up its commercial viability.

Pathway Description:

The project utilizes a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) approach, where the mold fungus Talaromyces verruculosus directly converts lignocellulose into erythro-isocitric acid in a single step. This process eliminates the need for expensive enzymes by enabling the fungus to produce all required enzymes for cellulose degradation.