Development of a Thermodynamically Favorable Multi-enzyme Cascade Reaction for Efficient Sustainable Production of ω-Amino Fatty Acids and α,ω-Diamines

Aliphatic omega-amino fatty acids (omega-AFAs) and alpha,omega-diamines (alpha,omega-DMs) are essential monomers for the production of nylons. Development of a sustainable biosynthesis route for omega-AFAs and alpha,omega-DMs is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Herein, we constructed an unprecedented thermodynamically favorable multi-enzyme cascade (TherFavMEC) for the efficient sustainable biosynthesis of omega-AFAs and alpha,omega-DMs from cheap alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acids (alpha,omega-DAs). This TherFavMEC was developed by incorporating bioretrosynthesis analysis tools, reaction Gibbs free energy calculations, thermodynamic equilibrium shift strategies and cofactor (NADPH&ATP) regeneration systems. The molar yield of 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-ACA) from adipic acid (AA) was 92.3 %, while the molar yield from 6-ACA to 1,6-hexanediamine (1,6-HMD) was 96.1 %, which were significantly higher than those of previously reported routes. Furthermore, the biosynthesis of omega-AFAs and alpha,omega-DMs from 20.0 mM alpha,omega-DAs (C6-C9) was also performed, giving 11.2 mM 1,6-HMD (56.0 % yield), 14.8 mM 1,7-heptanediamine (74.0 % yield), 17.4 mM 1,8-octanediamine (87.0 % yield), and 19.7 mM 1,9-nonanediamine (98.5 % yield), respectively. The titers of 1,9-nonanediamine, 1,8-octanediamine, 1,7-heptanediamine and 1,6-HMD were improved by 328-fold, 1740-fold, 87-fold and 3.8-fold compared to previous work. Therefore, this work holds great potential for the bioproduction of omega-AFAs and alpha,omega-DMs.