Bacterial wax synthesis

Abstract

Biological wax esters offer a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable alternative to many fossil fuel derived chemicals including plastics and paraffins. Many species of bacteria accumulate waxes with similar structure and properties to highly desirable animal and plant waxes such as Spermaceti and Jojoba oils, the use of which is limited by resource requirements, high cost and ethical concerns. While bacterial fermentations overcome these issues, a commercially viable bacterial wax production process would require high yields and renewable, affordable feedstock to make it economically competitive and environmentally beneficial. This review describes recent progress in wax ester generation in both wild type and genetically engineered bacteria, with a focus on comparing substrates and quantifying obtained waxes. The full breadth of wax accumulating species is discussed, with emphasis on species generating high yields and utilising renewable substrates. Key areas of the field that have, thus far, received limited attention are highlighted, such as waste stream valorisation, mixed microbial cultures and efficient wax extraction, as, until effectively addressed, these will slow progress in creating commercially viable wax production methods.

Keywords: Acinetobacter; Bacteria; Biotechnology; Economic; Environment; Sustainable; Wax ester synthesis.