(188ba) Engineering a ?-Ketoadipate Biosensor in Pseudomonas Putida and Evolution of Aromatic Catabolism Pathway for Biomanufacturing

β-ketoadipate (β-KAP) is an important intermediate in the enzyme mediated degradation of aromatic compounds by microorganisms in nature. Hence, β-KAP finds applications in the conversion of EPA recognized environmental pollutants like nitrophenols, chlorinated aromatics and hydrocarbons into valuable products. Recent interest in sustainable technologies has spurred research efforts in utilizing renewable lignocellulosic biomass as an alternate carbon resource. Aromatic monolignol compounds can also be bioprocessed via β-KAP pathway to useful industrial commodities. In this study we have developed a transcriptional regulator based β-KAP sensor that is functional in Pseudomonas putida. We are further investigating its application in the high throughput evolution of synthetic pathways for exploring novel biotechnological avenues.