This year 2023 OUC-China focuses on the challenges of green and low-carbon production of medium-chain fatty acids and their derivatives.

Our ultimate goal is to utilize M. aphidis XM01 for the green and efficient synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids, as well as the synthesis of two high-value products: α-olefins and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, using E. coli. In this process, it will be necessary to repeatedly use a bioreactor (fermentation tank) to achieve the degradation of harmful substances and the production of industrial raw materials. Additionally, a multiphase flow bioreactor for oil production will be developed. Our final plan is to introduce different plasmids into XM01 and E. coli BL21, and to degrade benzopyrene in food waste oil and synthesize MEL and then synthesize α-olefins and 10-hydroxycapric acid. Among them, it is necessary to use the bioreactor (fermenter) repeatedly to complete the degradation of harmful substances and the production of industrial materials, and to make a multiphase flow bioreactor that can use a special culture substrate——oil.

● We genetically modified XM01 to produce mannose erythritol lipids (MELs) using oils and fats as substrates, the hydrolysates of MELs containing significant amounts of medium-chain fatty acids

● We used E. coli to genetically modify the synthesis of medium-chain fatty acid derivatives α-olefins and 10-hydroxycapric acid

● We completed the design and fabrication of multiphase flow bioreactor paddles

● We completed the accelerated settlement separation box and realize it through 3D printing, without any circuit structure, to achieve green production.

Therefore, in practical biological applications, reMCFAs projects can be used in:

● Green production of industrial raw materials: green production of medium-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acid derivatives - α-olefins and 10-hydroxycapric acid

● Large-scale factory production is realized using our team's original fermentation equipment

● Application in Industry

The ReMCFAs project underwent multiple iterations of the multiphase flow bioreactor paddles based on feedback from the Human Practice section.

The fluid simulation software comsol and solid works were used to simulate the fluid of the bioreactor to determine the optimal propeller combination for fermentation, and put this combination into the actual MEL-producing fermentation experiment to test and study the fermentation effect.

With the assistance of the experts we seek, we have been able to draw up detailed plans to implement our projects in the most efficient way in order to increase the efficiency of industrial production while being green.

At the same time, the target users of the accelerated settling box we make are laboratory researchers and relevant industrial production departments who lack effective equipment, and this scientific and technological achievement has applied for invention patents in the region, to achieve the transformation of technological achievements, will be presented to stakeholders in the form of patents, and get detailed instruction manuals and confirmation statements, attached with relevant model files to facilitate relevant personnel around the world to reproduce this technical achievement in the fastest and simple way and put into application.

● Promote in the Market

In human practice, we consulted with relevant business personnel and conducted an analysis and investigation of the market for the product. The person in charge of Karamay Jiangrun Chemical Materials Co., Ltd. put forward good suggestions for us in the early stage, guided us to evaluate the cost of the project, and also put forward a clear cooperation intention for our project. According to our survey, the global medium and long chain fatty acid edible oil market is showing a growth trend. Facing the broad market prospects, the person in charge of Shifang (Shandong) Environmental Protection Energy Group Co., Ltd. of Beijing Enterprises Group said that it can improve the added value of industrial products, and also guide us to produce derivatives of Zhonglian fatty acids, extend the industrial chain, and improve our industrialization process.

We have made many improvements to avoid potential risks. Our project involves basic genetic manipulation of the Escherichia coli BL21 strain and M. aphidis XM01 on the Mojis scale, which are classified as low potential risk group 1 according to the Chinese CDC policy and iGEM definition (risk group 1 organisms do not cause disease in healthy adults). Among them, M. aphidis XM01 is not on the white list, we have registered. In our wet laboratory, all gene transformation, vector expression, protein assays, etc. are performed in a biosafety cabinet and strictly adhered to. In order to prevent the leakage of E. coli introduced into the environment, we designed the NeuAc riboswitch, see the design section for details. To protect the environment, all chassis organisms are disinfected before being disposed of to prevent genetic leakage.