Wax Ester Biosynthesis in an Actinobacterium: a Potential Avenue to Sustainable, High-Value Lipids

What is it about?

Among the best-studied oleaginous bacteria, rhodococci have considerable potential for the sustainable production of lipid-based commodity chemicals, such as wax esters. However, many aspects of lipid synthesis in these bacteria are poorly understood. The current study identifies a key enzyme in wax ester synthesis in rhodococci and exploits it to significantly improve the yield of wax esters in bacteria. In so doing, this work contributes to the development of novel bioprocesses for an important class of oleochemicals that may ultimately allow us to phase out their unsustainable production from sources such as petroleum and palm oil.

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Why is it important?

Lipid-accumulating strains of bacteria have considerable potential for the sustainable production of high-value lipids such as wax esters, which are widely used in cosmetics and as lubricants. The lipid biosynthetic capabilities of rhodococci have long been recognized, but many aspects of this synthesis are poorly understood. We identified a key enzyme in wax ester synthesis in rhodococci and exploited it to significantly improve the yield of these molecules. In doing so, this work contributes to the development of novel bioprocesses for an important class of oleochemicals.

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