New enzymes for transformation of fatty acids

Oils and fats are the most important raw materials for the chemical industry.  Until recently, industrial oleochemistry has concentrated predominantly on the carboxy functionality of fatty acids but nowadays modern methods have been applied extensively to fatty acid compounds for the selective functionalization of the alkyl chain (e.g. processes for manufacturing 9/10 hydroxy stearic acids from oleic sunflower oil and their use in making lubricant grease compounds). Scientists at the University of Göttingen isolated and developed new enzymes for strategic transformation of fatty acids.

Challenge

Nowadays modern biotechnology methods are applied to fatty acid compounds for selective functionalization of alkyl chains. Here, regio-selectivity and stereo- specificity are of upmost importance. Scientists at the University of Göttingen isolated and developed new enzymes for strategic transformation of fatty acids.

Our Solution

Scientists at the University of Göttingen isolated and developed new enzymes for strategic transformation of fatty acids with high regio-selectivity and stereo- specificity.

Advantages

D9-Hydratase:

• Method of producing hydroxy fatty acids by using the novel recombinant fatty acid hydratase from Streptococcus.
• High yields without by-products formation (as with Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Corynebacterium, Saccharomyces).
• Regioselective reaction produces 10-hydroxy fatty acids (hydration of C-10 and not of C-9).
• Stereospecific reaction, only cis-configured double bonds are hydrated.
• Reaction starting from delta-9 (delta-6 is not transformed).
• Expression of fatty acid hydratase in transgenic bacteria, yeast, cell or plant possible.

 

9/13 Divinylether synthase (9/13 DES):

• Method of producing C6- and/or C9- Aldehydes, Alcohols and Esters from fatty acids hydroperoxides by using the novel based recombinant 9/13 DES from garlic.
• Particularly stable production of 2E-isomers.
• Use of a 9/13 Hydroxyperoxide lyase is not required.
• Method to produce plants with increased resistance against pathogens through a * transgenic expression of the 9/13 DES.

Applications

Production of high value chemicals and intermediate chemicals for pharmaceutical, food, perfume, detergent and chemical industry (e.g. fragrance, flavors, food, detergents, lubricants, surfactants, coatings, paints, biopolymers and plasticizers).

Developmental Status

Proof of concept in laboratory setting.

Patent Status

We are licensing these enzyme technologies for further development (no IPR).

References

• Volkov et al: Myosin Cross-reactive Antigen of Streptococcus pyogenes M49 Encodes a Fatty Acid Double Bond Hydratase That Plays a Role in Oleic Acid Detoxification and Bacterial Virulence. Jornal of Biological Chemistry, 2010, 285(14).
• Liavonchanka et al.: Biochemistry of PUFA Double Bond Isomerases Producing Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Chembiochem, 2008, 9(12).
• Stumpe et al.: Divinyl ether synthesis in garlic bulbs. Journal of Experimental Botany, 2008, 59(4).
• DE102004036466

Contact

Dr. Stefan Uhle
Patent Manager Life Science
E-Mail: suhle(at)sciencebridge.de
Tel.: +49 551 30724 154
Reference: BioC-0566-1021-SUG