Biosynthesis of bioplastics from CO2 by Cupriavidus necatorH16

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BACKGROUND: Biological processes based on fermentation of one carbon (C1) feedstocks (such as carbon dioxide and methane) have a great potential in supporting the future sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from non-food resources. In addition, these processes would greatly contribute to the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by converting waste gasses from steel manufacturing, oil refining, coal and natural/shale gas into valuable products. Cupriavidus necator H16 (formerly known as Ralstonia eutropha) is a Gram-negative, non-spore forming, facultatively chemolithoautotrophic bacterium able to grow on organic substrates or H2 and CO2 under aerobic conditions. Its ability to grow on CO2 as sole carbon source makes it an attractive chassis organism for the sustainable production of high value platform chemicals from waste gasses. Under nutrient limiting conditions, C. necator is capable of synthesizing large amounts (up to 92%) of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB, a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer. This naturally synthesised bioplastic has relatively poor physical, thermal and mechanical properties (very brittle, highly crystalline, has a high melting temperature). Production of alternative homopolymers and copolymers with improved properties from cheap and abundant feedstock is therefore greatly desired.AIM: The aim of this project is to metabolically engineer Cupriavidus necator H16 to produce non-natural homopolymers with desired physical and mechanical properties, such as 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) and copolymers containing 3HP (ie. poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HP-co-3HB))) from CO2. The project will integrate with current projects optimising the production of monomers for the synthesis of novel PHAs.THE TRAINING: The project will be carried out within the BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC) at Nottingham which comprises 90+ graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The study will allow for training in a unique multidisciplinary environment, incorporating aerobic gas fermentation, Synthetic Biology, microbial physiology, metabolic engineering and computer modelling.