P[(R)-lactate-co-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(LA-co-3HB)] was produced in engineered Escherichia coli using lignocellulose-derived hydrolysates from Miscanthus × giganteus (hybrid Miscanthus) and rice straw. Hybrid Miscanthus-derived hydrolysate exhibited no negative effect on polymer production, LA fraction, and molecular weight of the polymer, whereas rice straw-derived hydrolysate reduced LA fraction. These results revealed that P(LA-co-3HB) was successfully produced from hybrid Miscanthus-derived sugars.
Keywords: bio-based polyester; biorefinery; biosynthesis; lignocellulosic biomass.