Innovative genetic tools and metabolic engineering strategies for advanced biomanufacturing: a focus on Pseudomonas putida

Summary

A major challenge of the 21st century is to generate sustainable strategies for producing fuels, chemicals and food ingredients. Industrial biotechnology has emerged as a promising green alternative by applying improved microorganisms. Yet, substantial improvements are required to enable economic feasibility for industrial applications. This project aims at advancing the field of biomanufacturing with a focus on the microbe Pseudomonas putida. We developed innovative genetic tools and metabolic engineering strategies for advanced biomanufacturing of compounds such as (i) furan-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a key precursor for the biopolymer polyethylene furanoate and a green alternative for the petrol-based polyethylene teraphtalate, (ii) curcuminoids, polyphenolic compounds naturally found in the rhizome of the Curcuma longa (turmeric) plant and used as food ingredients and supplements, and (iii) violacein, a natural violet pigment derived with diverse applications in textiles, cosmetics, and health due to its unique biological, chemical, and physical properties.