The production of azelaic acid from nonanoic acid in Escherichia coli

Abstract

Dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) are building block for various chemicals such as polyesters, nylons, plastics, and medications. Their industrial application is depend on carbon chain length. In this study, we have engineered Escherichia coli MG1655 to produce azelaic acid (C9 DCA), which can be used for acne medication, from nonanoic acid (C9 fatty acid). We obtained an Escherichia coli strain that can grow faster than the wild type on the fatty acid by evolutionary engineering and will analyze mutations that enable to utilize nonanoic acid efficiently by whole-genome sequencing. Then a CYP450-monooxygenase-mediated ω-oxidation pathway system with high ω-regioselectivity towards nonanoic acid will be expressed in the evolutionary engineered strain to produce the C9 DCA. We believe that the engineered strain will be valuable for the potential of azelaic acid mass production.