PHA synthase engineering toward superbiocatalysts for custom-made biopolymers

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2007 Jan;73(5):969-79. doi: 10.1007/s00253-006-0566-4. Epub 2006 Nov 23.

Abstract

Poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates [P(3HA)s] are biologically produced polyesters that have attracted much attention as biodegradable polymers that can be produced from biorenewable resources. These polymers have many attractive properties for use as bulk commodity plastics, fishing lines, and medical uses that are dependent on the repeating unit structures. Despite the readily apparent benefits of using P(3HA)s as replacements for petrochemical-derived plastics, the use and distribution of P(3HA)s have been limited by their cost of production. This problem is currently being addressed by the engineering of enzymes involved in the production of P(3HA)s. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase (PhaC) enzymes, which catalyze the polymerization of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA monomers to P(3HA)s, were subjected to various forms of protein engineering to improve the enzyme activity or substrate specificity. This review covers the recent history of PHA synthase engineering and also summarizes studies that have utilized engineered PHA synthases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases / chemistry
  • Acyltransferases / genetics*
  • Acyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Biopolymers / biosynthesis*
  • Enzyme Stability
  • Protein Engineering*
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Acyltransferases
  • poly(3-hydroxyalkanoic acid) synthase