Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BioAlkane (BioAlkane)
Reporting period: 2021-06-01 to 2022-11-30
Fatty acids represent a rich biobased feedstock for new chemicals. Especially, if the fatty acids are derived from non-edible sources or wastes, their use would contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
In the project BioAlkane, we have explored the doability of a recent fatty acid derivatisation technology. Photoactivated fatty acid decarboxylases (FAPs) catalyse the removal of the terminal acid functionality of fatty acids yielding the corresponding (C1-shortened) alkanes. Compared to the very high conditions required for the ‘chemical’ transformation, photodecarboxylases only need visible light, which makes them attractive, potentially more energy efficient alternatives.
In a first part, we evaluated the FAP technology for the conversion of (waste) fatty acids into alkanes as next generation biodiesel. Promising results in terms of productivity were obtained using innovative wireless powered light emitting diodes for the internal illumination of the reaction mixtures. The photoinstability of current FAPs, however, impedes economic production of low-value combustion fuels. We therefore turned our attention to application of FAPs in combination with fatty acid hydratases to transform unsaturated fatty acids into fatty alcohol products. This approach was realised on preparative scale and products obtained showed interesting anti-microbial activity against Acne-inducing bacteria. Therefore, our focus now lies with the synthesis of biobased active ingrediens for cosmetic formulations.
In the project BioAlkane, we have explored the doability of a recent fatty acid derivatisation technology. Photoactivated fatty acid decarboxylases (FAPs) catalyse the removal of the terminal acid functionality of fatty acids yielding the corresponding (C1-shortened) alkanes. Compared to the very high conditions required for the ‘chemical’ transformation, photodecarboxylases only need visible light, which makes them attractive, potentially more energy efficient alternatives.
In a first part, we evaluated the FAP technology for the conversion of (waste) fatty acids into alkanes as next generation biodiesel. Promising results in terms of productivity were obtained using innovative wireless powered light emitting diodes for the internal illumination of the reaction mixtures. The photoinstability of current FAPs, however, impedes economic production of low-value combustion fuels. We therefore turned our attention to application of FAPs in combination with fatty acid hydratases to transform unsaturated fatty acids into fatty alcohol products. This approach was realised on preparative scale and products obtained showed interesting anti-microbial activity against Acne-inducing bacteria. Therefore, our focus now lies with the synthesis of biobased active ingrediens for cosmetic formulations.