(41b) Biosynthesis of a Branched C6 Fatty Alcohol Via a De Novo Pathway in Escherichia Coli

The exploration of microbial biofuel production has expanded in recent years beyond ethanol to a variety of heavier alcohols and fatty acid derived biodiesel.  Synthesis of branched alcohols in the six to seven carbon range are an appealing target because their properties, including energy density and improved octane rating, approach those of primary components of gasoline.  In addition these compounds have the potential to reduce energy costs of downstream separations.  We have developed a de novo pathway to synthesize one such compound, 4-methyl-pentanol, by coupling E. coli primary metabolism to exogenous fatty acid and secondary metabolism.   The overall redox neutrality of ethanol fermentation is a key to achieving near theoretical yields and we have maintained redox neutrality in design of our novel 4MP pathway.  Our design is also modular, enabling testing and screening of alternative genes for individual segments of the overall pathway.