Methane monooxygenase in methanotrophs which assimilate methane as a sole carbon source, could convert various alkanes to primary alcohols. In order to enhance the value of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), we have developed a strategy for microbial propane conversion into 2-propanol using the whole-cell biocatalyst of Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z. There are some hurdles to overcome in the bioconversion of propane by methanotrophs. First, reducing power is required to activate C-H bond in alkanes. In addition to this, alcohols produced from alkane could be further oxidized to aldehydes or ketones by methanol dehydrogenase in the methanotroph. In this study we applied methanol for the supply of reducing power and also an inhibitor of the further oxidation of propanol to address these problems. The effects of reaction conditions including methanol concentration, initial cell mass, and feeding mode on the bioconversion were investigated to optimize 2-propanol production from propane using the methanotroph.

Biological production of isopropanol through propane oxidation using Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z

2019 Fall National Meeting

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