4-Hydroxyvalerate Production Using Whole-cell Biotransformation in Escherichia coli

Abstract

4-hydroxyvalerate (4HV) is an important compound an essential intermediate of sustainable solvents such as gamma-valerolactone (GVL) as well as a plastics additive. However, its production is limited by the high temperature reaction and the use of expensive catalysts. Thus, production of 4HV through whole-cell bioprocesses such as fermentation and biotransformation would be a promising method. Here we report the high productivity and yield of 4-hydroxyvaleric acid from the levulinic acid (LA), a cheap and renewable biomass source. For this purpose, mutant 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (3HBDH) was expressed in Escherichia coli and 4HV production was performed from LA in glucose-fed anaerobic environment through whole cell bioconversion process. As a result, about 7 g / L of 4HV was produced, which corresponds to a 30% molar yield. In conclusion, it is expected that this study and the engineered strain will contribute to industrial plastic or gamma-valerolactone production processes.