An artificial enzymatic reaction cascade for a cell-free bio-system based on glycerol

Abstract

Conversion of glycerol into high-value products is of significant importance for sustainability in the biofuel industry. In this study, pyruvic acid, a central intermediate needed for the production of versatile biomolecules, was produced from glycerol without the addition of any cofactors by the cell-free bio-system composed of alditol oxidase, dihydroxy acid dehydratase, and catalase. (3R)-Acetoin was then produced at 85.5% of the theoretical yield from glycerol by α-acetolactate synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase. Since other biomolecules can also be produced from pyruvic acid, the cell-free bio-system might serve as a versatile bio-production platform, and support the viability of the biofuel economy.