This Innovation Corps project will explore the potential of developing a marketable innovation based on the use of 3-ketoacyl ACP synthase III (KASIII) enzymes. KASIII catalyzes the first carbon-carbon forming reaction in fatty acid biosynthesis, and thus determines the chemical nature of the omega of the fatty acids produced.
The proposed innovation is based on engineering of of the biocatalyst, KASIII, and would result in the production of bi-functional molecules that can act as the monomer percusors for making bio-based plastics. This innovation will provide novel bi-functional, bio-based feed stocks to the emerging bio-renewable chemical industry for the production of novel "green" plastics and specialty chemicals. The proposed I-Corps team envisions a technology that will be initially targeted to the synthesis of hydroxy-fatty acids, but can be readily advanced upon to produce other bi-functional monomers (e.g., amino-fatty acids, which can be used to produce polyamides). If successful, this technology will lead to chemical products that can act as substitutes for petroleum-based chemical products, and be precursors for novel bio-based products.
The goal of this project was to explore the potential of developing a marketable innovation based on the use of diverse 3-ketoacyl ACP synthase III (KASIII) enzymes isolated from wide range of biological sources. KASIII catalyzes the first carbon-carbon forming reaction in fatty acid biosynthesis, and thus determines the chemical nature of the omega (ω)-end of fatty acids products. We hypothesized that the natural diversity in the catalytic capability of KASIII can be used to produce different types of fatty acids that vary in the chemical nature at the omega-end of the molecules. Such bi-functional molecules as hydroxy-fatty acids have many applications as feedstocks in the manufacture of polymers (specifically polyesters), and other omega-end functionalities, such as branched molecules that have applications in detergents, surfactants, solvents, paints, varnishes, cosmetics and specialty chemical synthesis. The project’s goal was to explore the commercial impact of a technology based on the ability of KASIII-enzyme to produce these types of bi-functional fatty acids. The key outcome of the project was the establishment of the start-up entity OmegaChea Biorenewables LLC to explore these technological advances. This is furthering the training and professional development of a post-doctoral trainee, who is translating academic research outcomes to produce new products that will be brought to the market by OmegaChea Biorenewables LLC; the post-doctoral trainee is the President of this new entrepreneurial entity. The broader impact of this research is the ability to affect local economic development via the translation of academic research in developing new products for the biorenewable chemicals market.
