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Transformation of Zymononas mobilis by electroporation

  • Applied Genetics and Regulation
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Abstract

Zymomonas mobilis is being considered for the industrial production of ethyl alcohol. Expansion of its substrate range of glucose, fructose and sucrose could be advantageous, but genetic manipulation of Z. mobilis is restricted as it is resistant to transformation. We present a protocol using electroporation for high efficiency transformation of this bacterium. Optimal parameters included cooled cells (0–4° C), use of 10% glycerol as an osmotic support medium, a pulse in the 12 kV/cm range for 10 ms and outgrowth on GYx medium prior to selection. The routine efficiency achieved was greater than 1.0 × 107/μg DNA, a major increase over other transformation methods in which yields ranged from 100–2000/μg DNA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry and Microbiology Department, Cook College, Rutgers University, 08903-0231, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    Cuong K. Lam, Patrick O'Mullan & Douglas E. Eveleigh

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  1. Cuong K. Lam
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  2. Patrick O'Mullan
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  3. Douglas E. Eveleigh
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Lam, C.K., O'Mullan, P. & Eveleigh, D.E. Transformation of Zymononas mobilis by electroporation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 39, 305–308 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00192083

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00192083

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