High‐Titer Bio‐Styrene Production Afforded by Whole‐Cell Cascade Biotransformation

Biosynthetic routes based on cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable platforms for compounds such as styrene are urgently needed. The biosynthesis of from L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) via trans-cinnamate has long been established, but toxicity limits yields. This study demonstrates that whole-cell cascade biotransformation employing an E. coli consortium expressing respectively phenylalanine ammonia-lyase ferulic acid decarboxylase negates both the issue need enzyme purification. Using resting or lyophilised cells, efficient conversion L-Phe to (up ∼24 g/L) is readily achieved combined with robust extraction methods. use enriched biomass yields equally rapid production isolation renewable styrene. establishes improved strategy industrial bio-production styrene, by extension other toxic reactive chemicals corresponding bio-compatible precursors.