Production of 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoate from D-Xylose with Coryneform Bacteria

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This patent describes a biotechnological method for producing 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (also known as protocatechuic acid, PCA) using genetically modified coryneform bacteria. By inactivating or deleting the gene for pyruvate kinase and increasing the activity of xylose isomerase and xylulose kinase, the bacteria efficiently convert C5 sugars, especially D-xylose, from renewable biomass into PCA. This process offers a sustainable alternative to traditional, petroleum-based chemical synthesis of PCA.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Production of bioplastics and plastic fibers as renewable platform chemicals
• Manufacturing ingredients for pharmaceuticals due to PCA's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• Formulation of cosmetics using the health benefits of PCA
• Food and feed supplementation, utilizing PCA's health-promoting effects
• Valorization of lignocellulosic and agricultural waste materials (such as straw, bagasse, sulfite liquors) for high-value chemical production

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Eco-friendly and sustainable production using renewable biomass rather than petroleum-based resources
• Enables high-yield, cost-effective, and resource-saving industrial-scale production of PCA
• Reduces environmental impact and process complexity compared to conventional chemical synthesis
• Supports circular economy and bioeconomy strategies by upgrading low-value agricultural waste
• Utilizes genetically modified bacteria recognized as safe (GRAS), favoring industry acceptance

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the microbial production of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid starting from a C5 carbon source in the presence of a modified coryneform bacterial cell which possesses a partially or completely inactivated pyruvate kinase (PK) activity, or the gene of which coding for pyruvate kinase (pyk) has been partially or completely deleted. The present invention further encompasses a modified coryneform bacterial cell possessing a partially or completely inactivated pyruvate kinase activity and an increased xylose isomerase and xylulose kinase activity, and also the use of the same for the production of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The invention also encompasses a composition containing 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and the use of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid or of a composition containing 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid for the production of plastic, plastic fibres, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foodstuffs and/or feedstuffs.