For the first time, a synthetic metabolic pathway has been developed to produce renewable propane. Researchers from the Imperial College London and the University of Turku in Finland used Escherichia coli to accomplish the task.

Researchers introduced changes in Escherichia coli’s biological process that turns fatty acids into cell membranes. By disturbing the process, researchers channeled it towards propane’s production.

For the task, a technological pathway was developed that had three key enzymes. First was thioesterase used to produce butyric acid, second included a carboxylic acid reductase to convert butyric acid into butyraldehyde and lastly, aldehyde-deformylating oxygenase (ADO) to form propane.

Earlier also, attempts have been made by scientists to use the ADO enzyme to form propane, but the efforts turned out to be elusive. It happened because researchers were unable to utilize the enzyme’s natural power to create a cleaner fuel.

In the novel research, Dr. Jones’ team came to know that there are chances to increase the catalytic capability of the enzyme and produce propane by stimulating ADO with electrons. Researchers have produced propane, but the amount is currently 1,000 times less than what is actually required to turn propane as a commercial product.

Due to which, researchers are now working to bring improvements in the synthetic process. “This opens up possibilities for future sustainable production of renewable fuels that at first could complement, and thereafter replace fossil fuels like diesel, petrol, natural gas and jet fuel”, affirmed Dr. Patrik Jones of Imperial College London.

Dr. Jones said they are planning to use the same trick with cyanobacteria, as that could lead to turn sunlight directly into a portable energy source. Fossils fuels are limited resources. There is a need to come up with newer ways to meet the increased energy demand as population continues to grow.