Pseudomonas as Versatile Aromatics Cell Factory

Abstract

Aromatics and their derivatives are valuable chemicals with a plethora of important applications and thus play an integral role in modern society. Their current production relies mostly on the exploitation of petroleum resources. Independency from dwindling fossil resources and rising environmental concerns are major driving forces for the transition towards the production of sustainable aromatics from renewable feedstocks or waste streams. Whole-cell biocatalysis is a promising strategy that allows the valorization of highly abundant, low-cost substrates. In the last decades, extensive efforts are undertaken to allow the production of a wide spectrum of different aromatics and derivatives using microbes as biocatalysts. Pseudomonads are intriguing hosts for biocatalysis, as they display unique characteristics beneficial for the production of aromatics, including a distinct tolerance and versatile metabolism. This review highlights biotechnological applications of Pseudomonas as host for the production of aromatics and derived compounds. This includes their de novo biosynthesis from renewable resources, biotransformations in single- and biphasic fermentation setups, metabolic funneling of lignin-derived aromatics, and the upcycling of aromatic monomers from plastic waste streams. Additionally, this review provides insights into unique features of Pseudomonads that make them exceptional hosts for aromatics biotechnology and discusses engineering strategies.

Keywords: Pseudomonas; aromatics; biocatalysis; metabolic engineering; renewable resources.