Novel Syn Bio Method to Produce Performance Advantaged Polymers

According to the US EPA, manufacturing activity contributes 21% of net greenhouse gas emissions. The largest component of these emissions is the use of fossil based raw materials. The petrochemicals and polymers industry is a substantial component of manufacturing activity, and as such there is a significant need to switch from fossil based feedstocks to renewables. In addition, as biomass as a feedstock defers from petroleum, it can be converted to better performing materials by manipulation of certain existing functional groups. Nylon 6,6 as a fossil based polymer uses adipic acid derived from petroleum crude as a feedstock which leads to limitations on certain desirable properties. If adipic acid is replaced with another building block, substantially superior properties are feasible. Technology Holding LLC in collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratory proposes to develop a novel method to produce ß-keto adipic acid (BKA). It has been established by the proposing team that BKA derived Nylon has 20% reduced water permeability and 70 oC higher glass transition temperature. With such superior properties, the final Nylon has performance that matches with Nylon 6,10. Our prior work has demonstrated production of BKA from glucose using genetically engineered P. putida, We have also established that putida can co-utilize C5 and C6 sugars along with acetic acid, a byproduct. The proposed work will combine these two synthetic biology approaches towards enabling high carbon yield, high titer production of BKA. Upon successful commercialization, the proposed innovation will help reduce use of chemical fertilizers, produce more biomass per acre leading to higher income to farmers and help create domestic jobs.