To enable E. coli to produce L-lactate, scientists have employed genetic engineering techniques. This involves cloning and expressing L-lactate dehydrogenase genes from different bacteria into E. coli. The process typically includes the following steps :
Recombinant L-LDH produced in E. coli is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain. It typically contains 420 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 45.3 kDa. The recombinant enzyme is often fused with a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification using chromatographic techniques .
The production of L-lactate using engineered E. coli has significant biotechnological applications. L-lactic acid is an important chiral molecule used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics. The ability to produce L-lactate efficiently through microbial fermentation offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods .
One of the main challenges in producing L-lactate using E. coli is balancing the competition between cell growth and lactate synthesis. The enzymatic properties, especially the thermodynamics of L-LDH, play a crucial role in regulating metabolic pathways and optimizing lactate production. Future research aims to further enhance the efficiency of L-lactate production by exploring new genetic modifications and optimizing fermentation processes .
In conclusion, the recombinant L-Lactate Dehydrogenase from E. coli represents a significant advancement in metabolic engineering, offering promising solutions for sustainable production of valuable biochemicals.