Production of α,ω-alkanediols using Escherichia coli expressing a cytochrome p450 from Acinetobacter sp OC4

Our biotransformation using Escherichia coli expressing a cytochrome P450 (CYP) belonging to the CYP153A family from Acinetobacter sp. OC4 produced a great amount of 1-octanol (2,250mg per liter) from n-octane after 24h of incubation. This level of production is equivalent to the maximum level previously achieved in biotransformation experiments of alkanes. In addition, the initial production rate of 1-octanol was maintained throughout the entire incubation period. These results indicate that we have achieved the functional and stable expression of a CYP in E. coli for the first time. Further, our biotransformation system showed alpha,omega-diterminal oxidation activity of n-alkanes, and a large amount of 1,8-octanediol (2,250mg per liter) was produced from 1-octanol after 24h of incubation. This is the first report on the bioproduction of alpha,omega-alkanediols from n-alkanes or 1-alkanols.