IISc researchers create enzymatic platform to convert fatty acids to hydrocarbons

02 Jul 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..