University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.

Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

Mark Andrew Eiteman

Elliot Altman

Leidong Mao

Taotao Zhu

Gregg Tyler Beckham

Ravi R Gokarn

Christopher W Johnson

Jeffrey G Linger

Ellen Lee Neidle

Xianghao Wu

Alaa Ashraf Mahmoud Ahmed

Melissa Tumen-Velasquez

Provided herein is a genetically engineered microbe which accumulates citramalate. In one embodiment, the microbe includes an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a citramalate synthase which catalyzes the condensation of acetyl CoA and pyruvic acid. Optionally, the microbe also includes a second exogenous polynucleotide encoding a citrate synthase which catalyzes the condensation of acetyl CoA and oxaloacetate, and the citrate synthase activity in the microbe is reduced compared to a control microbe. In one embodiment, the citrate synthase includes at least one amino acid substitution in the acetyl-CoA binding pocket, the mobile loop, the NADH binding site, and the oxaloacetate binding site, or a combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods for using the genetically engineered microbe, including a method for producing citramalate. The method can further include isolating the citramalate.

Genetically engineered microbes and methods for producing citramalate

Disclosed herein are enzymes useful for the dealkylation of aromatic substrates, including the conversion of guaiacol or guaethol to catechol. Methods of converting aromatic substrates found in lignin-based feedstocks such as pyrolysis oil into products such as catechol are also disclosed. Also presented herein are methods for rapidly evolving and optimizing genetic regions.

Chimeric enzymes for conversion of lignin-derived chemicals

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for separating particles, and the like.

Devices and methods for separating particles

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for separating particles, and the like. In general, embodiments of the present disclosure include non-uniform magnetic field-assisted processes and devices for the separation of particles (e.g., cells) within a magnetic fluid. Under non-uniform magnetic fields, particles such as cells can experience the generated magnetic field direction to produce a magnetic buoyancy force, analogous to buoyancy force, as magnitude of the force is proportional to the volume of cell. This force can be used to spatially separate cells of different sizes. In some embodiments, devices for separating particles are provided having a magnetic device configured to direct a non-uniform magnetic force onto the magnetic fluid and the particles; and a plurality of outlets, wherein the non-uniform magnetic force causes the types of particles to be separated and flow into different outlets.

Biological method for conversion of a sugar-containing organic material into a desired biochemical product. Use of a plurality of substrate-selective cells allows different sugars in a complex mixture to be consumed concurrently and independently. The method can be readily extended to remove inhibitory compounds from hydrolysate.

Substrate-selective co-fermentation process

Microbial production of pyruvate and metabolites derived from pyruvate in cells exhibiting reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase activity compared to wild-type cells. Acetate and glucose are supplied as a carbon sources.

Microbial production of pyruvate and other metabolites

Biological method for conversion of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate into a desired biochemical product. Use of a plurality of substrate-selective cells allows different sugars in a complex mixture to be consumed concurrently and independently. The method can be readily extended to remove inhibitory compounds from hydrolysate.

Microbial production of pyruvate and pyruvate derivatives

Metabolic engineering is used to increase the carbon flow toward oxaloacetate to enhance production of bulk biochemicals, such as lysine and succinate, in bacterial fermentations. Carbon flow is redirected by genetically engineering the cells to overexpress the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase.

Growing community of inventors

Athens, GA, United States of America

Mark Andrew Eiteman