IISc researchers create enzymatic platform to convert fatty acids to hydrocarbons
ECONOMY & POLICY

IISc researchers create enzymatic platform to convert fatty acids to hydrocarbons

Researchers at the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), had developed an enzymatic platform capable of efficiently converting naturally abundant and inexpensive fatty acids into valuable hydrocarbons known as 1-alkenes, which were promising biofuels. Considering the finite availability and polluting nature of fossil fuels, scientists were increasingly exploring sustainable fuel pathways involving hydrocarbons. These compounds showed significant potential as "drop-in" biofuels, which could be blended and used with existing fuels and infrastructure, according to the Bengaluru-based IISc.

These hydrocarbons could potentially be synthesized on a large scale using microorganism "factories." Enzymes facilitating the mass production of these hydrocarbons were highly sought after. Hydrocarbons also found extensive use in the polymer, detergent, and lubricant industries, IISc noted in a press release.

In a previous study, the IISc team had purified and characterized an enzyme called UndB, which was bound to the membranes of living cells, especially certain bacteria. It was capable of converting fatty acids to 1-alkenes at the fastest rate currently possible. However, the team discovered that the process was not very efficient, as the enzyme would become inactivated after just a few cycles.

Upon further investigation, they realized that H2O2, a byproduct of the reaction process, was inhibiting UndB. In the current study published in "Science Advances," the team had circumvented this challenge by adding another enzyme called catalase to the reaction mix. Tabish Iqbal, the first author of the study and a PhD student at IPC, explained that catalase degraded the H2O2 produced. Adding catalase enhanced the enzyme's activity 19-fold, from 14 to 265 turnovers (indicating the number of active cycles an enzyme completed before getting inactivated).

Excited by this finding, the team decided to create an artificial fusion protein combining UndB with catalase by introducing a fused genetic code via carriers called plasmids into E.coli bacteria. Under the right conditions, these E.coli would then act as a "whole cell biocatalyst," converting fatty acids and producing alkenes, the release said.

Researchers at the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), had developed an enzymatic platform capable of efficiently converting naturally abundant and inexpensive fatty acids into valuable hydrocarbons known as 1-alkenes, which were promising biofuels. Considering the finite availability and polluting nature of fossil fuels, scientists were increasingly exploring sustainable fuel pathways involving hydrocarbons. These compounds showed significant potential as drop-in biofuels, which could be blended and used with existing fuels and infrastructure, according to the Bengaluru-based IISc. These hydrocarbons could potentially be synthesized on a large scale using microorganism factories. Enzymes facilitating the mass production of these hydrocarbons were highly sought after. Hydrocarbons also found extensive use in the polymer, detergent, and lubricant industries, IISc noted in a press release. In a previous study, the IISc team had purified and characterized an enzyme called UndB, which was bound to the membranes of living cells, especially certain bacteria. It was capable of converting fatty acids to 1-alkenes at the fastest rate currently possible. However, the team discovered that the process was not very efficient, as the enzyme would become inactivated after just a few cycles. Upon further investigation, they realized that H2O2, a byproduct of the reaction process, was inhibiting UndB. In the current study published in Science Advances, the team had circumvented this challenge by adding another enzyme called catalase to the reaction mix. Tabish Iqbal, the first author of the study and a PhD student at IPC, explained that catalase degraded the H2O2 produced. Adding catalase enhanced the enzyme's activity 19-fold, from 14 to 265 turnovers (indicating the number of active cycles an enzyme completed before getting inactivated). Excited by this finding, the team decided to create an artificial fusion protein combining UndB with catalase by introducing a fused genetic code via carriers called plasmids into E.coli bacteria. Under the right conditions, these E.coli would then act as a whole cell biocatalyst, converting fatty acids and producing alkenes, the release said.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?