Efficient Production of Ferulic Acid by Co-expression of Feruloyl Esterase and Xylanase in Escherichia coli

Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to develop an efficiently secretory expression system for feruloyl esterase (Fae) and xylanase (Xyn) in Escherichia coli (E. coli).Method The optimal signal peptides for the secretory expression of Fae and β-1,4-endoxylanase in E. coli were screened out from 7 signal peptides. The genes fae and xyn were from the rumen metagenomes of China Holstein cow and camel, respectively. E. coli strains expressing Fae and Xyn were constructed, and their fermentation conditions were optimized for efficient expression and secretion of the two enzymes. Furthermore, ferulic acid was prepared by fermentation with de-starched wheat bran (DSWB) as the substrate. The best performed strain and the optimal production process were then determined.Result The yield and release rate of ferulic acid reached 314.1 mg/L and 90.0%, respectively, after shake flask fermentation for 48 h.Conclusion The engineered E. coli strain co-expressing Fae and Xyn was constructed for ferulic acid production, establishing a theoretical foundation to achieve rapid and high-efficiency biosynthesis of this compound.