Establishment of Cellobiose Utilization for Lipid Production in Rhodococcus opacus PD630

Rhodococcus opacus PD630, which is known for its ability to accumulate large amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG), was metabolically engineered, and a cellobiose utilization pathway was introduced. Activities of beta-glucosidases were determined, and recombinant strains accumulated fatty acids up to 39.5 +/- 5.7% (wt/wt) of cell dry mass from cellobiose.