NAD(H) self-recycling whole-cell biocatalysis for the production of furoic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid from furfural via CO2 fixation

Abstract

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a biobased chemical for polymer production. Herein, we developed an NAD(H) self-recycling whole-cell catalytic system for one-pot conversion of furfural (FFA) to FDCA via CO₂ fixation. Engineering the prFMN-dependent UbiD enzyme (HmfF) enhanced its carboxylation activity by 13.5 fold, achieving an FDCA yield of 35%. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) confirmed the industrial viability of the process.