Nigel S. Scrutton

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