Multienzyme cascade synthesis of ω-amino fatty acids from vegetable-derived precursors for use as nylon monomers

Abstract

Omega-amino fatty acids (ω-AmFAs) are non-natural organic molecules with amino and carboxyl groups located at the ends of unbranched carbon chains. They are widely used in the synthesis of polymers such as polyesters and polyamides, as well as in the production of chemical products such as biofuels and pharmaceutical intermediates. In recent years, the production of such materials and other chemicals via the fermentation of renewable resources using engineered microorganisms has become a hot spot of research, as examples of emerging green and low-carbon technologies. Traditional petrochemical synthesis methods of nylon monomers often face problems such as environmental pollution, increased energy consumption and high cost. By contrast, the catalytic production of ω-AmFAs from fatty acids such as oleic acid, ricinoleic acid and lauric acid found in vegetable oils using a multienzyme cascade has the unique advantages of being environmentally friendly and having high process economics. This paper reviews multienzyme synthesis strategies of ω-AmFAs used as nylon monomers.