Biocatalytic production of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) from methanol and methane

Stanford researchers have constructed a microbial cell factory by genetically modifying the bacterium Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z to convert methanol and methane into para-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA). p-HBA is a highly sought-after precursor and feedstock for various industrially relevant chemicals, including high-performance aromatic bioplastics like liquid-crystal polymers. Since methane is currently a cheap and abundant feedstock, biotechnological production from methane (natural gas / biogas) or from methanol (wood alcohol) can be more environmentally and economically viable as opposed to production from conventional sugar-based carbon-sources.

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