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Microbial Conversion of Lignin-Based Compounds into Carotenoids by Rhodococci

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Abstract

Lignin valorization is considered an integral part for an economically viable biorefinery. However, heterogenous nature of lignin imposes a big challenge for upgrading diverse lignin-derived intermediates and subsequent downstream processing. To overcome this challenge, we proposed to explore unique convergent pathways in Rhodococus strains to funnel lignin-derived compounds into single target products. A feasible bioprocess for co-production of lipids and carotenoids from lignin by Rhodococci was developed. This process would potentially extract more values from lignin via biological upgrading.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical, Bioengineering, and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA

    Zhu Chen & Caixia Wan

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  1. Zhu Chen
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  2. Caixia Wan
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Correspondence to Caixia Wan.

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Chen, Z., Wan, C. Microbial Conversion of Lignin-Based Compounds into Carotenoids by Rhodococci. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 193, 3442–3453 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-021-03602-z

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