Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 11.1
Selected Examples of Synthetic Biology Principles
for Biofuel and Biomaterial Production
Mechanism of Control
References
DNA
Copy number
47
41
57
49
Transcription
Promoter strength
51
57
53
Promoter timing
54
54a
Operon organization
60
mRNA
RNA half-life
62
Secondary structures
62
Translation
RBS strength
59
Codon usage
60
Protein
Protein half-life
15
208
Protein optimization
7
16
34
15
Metabolites and Products
Biosensors
54a
54
Allosteric regulation
29
32
our DNA synthesis abilities. In addition, the behavior of highly engineered microbes must
be robust in the scale-up from shake-flask cultures to thousand-liter tanks. If we are to
achieve the high titers required of biofuel production beyond the milligram per liter scales
commonly demonstrated in laboratory production, and develop a process that whole
economies can rely upon, our capabilities for biological design still need much
improvement.
We describe here a selection of the methods available for engineering gene expression,
enzyme function, and host cell physiology, many of which have been shown to be effective in
improving the yield of a biologically produced compound (see
Fig. 11.1
for an overview).
This chapter is organized into two parts, beginning with
'
Pathway design and optimization.
'
We address issues and techniques for engineering the biofuel production pathway: the
collection of enzymes that catalyze the chemical transformations that turn metabolites into
fuels. The second part of the chapter describes issues and techniques for engineering the host
organism responsible for expressing, feeding, and sustaining the biofuel production pathway.
