Lípidos de valor añadido en bacterias genéticamente modificadas

Abstract

The increasing demand for triacylglycerols (TAGs) together with the unsustainability of its traditional obtainment has motivated strong research efforts towards alternative processes for its generation. In this work we study the metabolic pathways leading to TAG accumulation in microorganisms and focus on two important applications of these neutral lipids: biodiesel production and supplements for human health. With the general purpose of widening our knowledge on the reaction catalysed by the enzymes WS/DGAT, reported to be responsible for the last step in the TAG biosynthetic pathway, this work address the process carried out in genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria expressing proteins from this family (especially tDGAT, from Thermomonospora curvata-), estimating the TAG production yield and analysing the fatty acid composition of the lipids produced by the recombinant strain. Moreover, we created a E.coli strain able to simultaneously generate ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and TAGs, paving the way for developing a novel process for the production of these treasured molecules.