ldhA E. coli
Description
ldhA is fused to a 24 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
In the absence of oxygen, E. coli relies on fermentative pathways to generate energy. One of the key pathways involves the reduction of pyruvate to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase. The NAD-dependent D-lactate dehydrogenase specifically catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to D-lactate, using NADH as a cofactor, which is oxidized to NAD+ in the process. This reaction is vital for maintaining the redox balance within the cell and ensuring a continuous supply of NAD+ for glycolysis.
The recombinant production of D-lactate dehydrogenase in E. coli involves the insertion of the gene encoding this enzyme into the bacterial genome or a plasmid vector. This genetic modification allows for the overexpression of the enzyme, facilitating its study and potential industrial applications. Recombinant E. coli strains engineered to overproduce D-LDH can be used in various biotechnological processes, including the production of D-lactic acid, which is a valuable chemical in the food, pharmaceutical, and polymer industries .
- Industrial Production: D-lactic acid produced by recombinant E. coli is used in the synthesis of biodegradable plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics derived from petrochemicals.
- Biochemical Research: The study of D-LDH and its recombinant forms provides insights into the metabolic pathways of E. coli and other bacteria. This knowledge can be applied to metabolic engineering efforts aimed at optimizing the production of various biochemicals.
- Medical and Pharmaceutical: D-lactic acid has potential applications in the medical field, including its use as a precursor for the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals.
While the recombinant production of D-LDH in E. coli has shown promise, there are several challenges that need to be addressed:
- Metabolic Burden: Overexpression of recombinant proteins can impose a metabolic burden on the host cells, potentially affecting their growth and productivity.
- Optimization: Further optimization of the fermentation conditions and genetic constructs is necessary to maximize the yield and efficiency of D-lactic acid production.
- Scale-Up: Translating laboratory-scale processes to industrial-scale production requires careful consideration of various factors, including cost, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
Future research efforts are focused on addressing these challenges and exploring new applications for D-lactic acid and other products derived from recombinant E. coli strains. Advances in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and fermentation technology will play a crucial role in realizing the full potential of these biotechnological innovations .
