Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable materials synthesized by microbes, have gained widespread use across industries such as packaging, textiles, and healthcare due to their eco-friendly and biocompatible nature. In China’s Aydingkol Lake, halophilic bacteria thrive under extreme conditions, synthesizing and accumulating PHA. A research team led by Professor Chen Guoqiang at Tsinghua University has delved into these microbes, revealing their remarkable ability to survive in high-salt, high-alkaline environments. This discovery paves the way for an efficient, cost-effective industrial production process.
Engineering Halophilic Bacteria for Industrial Biotechnology
Optimizing PHA Synthesis with Halophilic Bacteria
The research team utilized advanced molecular biology tools to modify the metabolic pathways and morphology of the bacteria, enhancing their PHA accumulation capacity. By fine-tuning the bacteria’s use of acetyl-CoA—vital for both energy supply and PHA synthesis—through precise regulation of the gltA gene with CRISPRi technology, the team successfully boosted PHA production while maintaining cell vitality.
Inhibiting gltA gene expression directs more acetyl-CoA toward PHB synthesis
Synthesis Efficiency Gains via Morphological Engineering
Further improvements were achieved through morphological engineering, enlarging the bacteria to create more internal space for PHA storage. This not only increased synthesis efficiency but also simplified extraction processes. In industrial fermenters, the modified microbes displayed significant growth in dry weight and PHA content, cutting production costs and energy consumption.
Schematic of Morphological Engineering in Halophilic Bacteria
Oxygen-Sensing System Enhances Microbial Growth
To address oxygen supply challenges, the team developed a microbial “auto-detection system.” This innovation allows the bacteria to sense low oxygen levels and express hemoglobin, delivering oxygen to their cells to maintain metabolic activity. The system significantly improved microbial growth under low-oxygen conditions, doubling their dry weight—a major breakthrough in industrial fermentation.
Schematic of Morphological Engineering in Halophilic Bacteria
A Leap in PHA Synthesis Efficiency
By co-expressing PHA synthesis genes (phaA, phaB, and phaC) with the outer membrane protein gene OmpW, the team further enhanced the bacteria’s PHA synthesis capacity in large-scale production. This strategy ensured that only the most efficient PHA producers thrived, optimizing both glucose conversion efficiency and PHA yield, while reducing costs and energy consumption. This innovation marks a significant contribution to sustainability and environmental protection, symbolizing a harmonious fusion of science and nature in biomanufacturing.
The phaCAB Operon in Engineered Bacteria After Modification
Angel Yeast Advances Industrialization
Angel Yeast, in collaboration with Beijing PhaBuilder, has established Hubei Phangel Biotechnology Co., Ltd., focusing on the industrialization of biodegradable PHA materials. By leveraging their combined technical expertise, the company has significantly improved production efficiency and reduced costs, accelerating the commercialization of PHA. This partnership not only advances the PHA market but also highlights Angel Yeast’s commitment to environmental innovation and sustainable development.
About Phangel Biotech：
Phangel Biotechnology, backed by Angel Yeast's advanced biotechnology and PhaBuilder's innovative R&D, focuses on developing and commercializing new bio-based materials. We specialize in producing biodegradable PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and engage in projects involving bio-fermentation and smart manufacturing. Our mission is to provide sustainable bio-material solutions to customers worldwide.
About Angel Yeast:
Angel Yeast Company is a high-tech listed company specializing in yeast and biotech. Product business covers Yeast and Baking, Yeast Extract-Savoury, Nutrition & Health and Biotechnology fields. It is one of the world's leading companies in the yeast industry. Angel has 12 holding subsidiaries and provides products and services for more than 160 countries and regions.
Press contact:
Hubei Phangel Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
No. 168 Ma'an Road, Xiaoting District, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China
Hu Wei
Tel: +86-18671718660
Email: huwei@phabuilder.com
