Complete PHB mobilization in <it>Escherichia coli </it>enhances the stress tolerance: a potential biotechnological application

• Main Authors: Kang Zhen, Xia Yongzhen, Yu Hongmin, Wang Qian, Qi Qingsheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-08-01
• Series: Microbial Cell Factories
• Online Access: http://www.microbialcellfactories.com/content/8/1/47

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Poly-<it>β</it>-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) mobilization in bacteria has been proposed as a mechanism that can benefit their host for survival under stress conditions. Here we reported for the first time that a stress-induced system enabled <it>E. coli</it>, a non-PHB producer, to mobilize PHB <it>in vivo </it>by mimicking natural PHB accumulation bacteria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The successful expression of PHB biosynthesis and PHB depolymerase genes in <it>E. coli </it>was confirmed by PHB production and 3-hydroxybutyrate secretion. Starvation experiment demonstrated that the complete PHB mobilization system in <it>E. coli </it>served as an intracellular energy and carbon storage system, which increased the survival rate of the host when carbon resources were limited. Stress tolerance experiment indicated that <it>E. coli </it>strains with PHB production and mobilization system exhibited an enhanced stress resistance capability.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This engineered <it>E. coli </it>with PHB mobilization has a potential biotechnological application as immobilized cell factories for biocatalysis and biotransformation.</p>