C5 · Clever Combination of Synthetic Compartmentalization, Carbon Fixation and Compound Biomanufacturing

The C5 Pathfinder project aims to revolutionize the production of bio-based chemicals by leveraging synthetic compartmentalization and metabolic engineering within photosynthetic cyanobacterial systems. The multidisciplinary consortium brings together experts from diverse fields, including microbiology, synthetic biology, and chemical engineering, with the overarching goal to maximize cyanobacterial photosynthetic CO2 fixation and isoprene product generation. This will be achieved by installing a more efficient CO2 fixation cycle, connecting it directly with isoprene production to maximize carbon partitioning, and constructing a conceptual novel synthetic bacterial organelle, co-localizing selected enzymes. This promotes substrate channeling and creates a favorable microenvironment to enhance their catalytic activity while minimizing metabolic crosstalk with the cytosol and containing toxic intermediates. We will develop a process to directly harvest isoprene from the gas phase, which spontaneously separates from the cells and growth media. This avoids problematic biomass harvesting and product extraction, simplifying the production process. The project's success will be assessed through life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno-economic analyses (TEA) to ensure that the developed processes are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. The collaboration among consortium members will facilitate knowledge transfer and technology development, leading to the creation of modular and scalable systems suitable for industrial applications. Additionally, workshops and outreach activities will be conducted to disseminate findings and promote engagement with stakeholders across the bioeconomy sector. Overall, C5 aims to introduce groundbreaking innovative technologies which will significantly increase Solar-to-Isoprene conversion efficiency and pave the way for the widespread adoption of bio-based chemicals, contributing to a sustainable and circular economy.