Modular pathway engineering for enhanced production of <i>para</i> -aminobenzoic acid and 4-amino-phenylalanine in <i>Escherichia coli</i> via glucose/xylose co-utilization

Microbial biosynthesis of chemicals from renewable resources offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based production. However, inefficiencies due to substrate diversion into by-products and biomass hinder optimal yields. In this study, we employed a modular metabolic engineering approach, decoupling pathways for chemical production from cell growth. Using glucose and xylose as co-substrates, we achieved the enhancement of <i>p</i>-aminobenzoic acid production in <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Additionally, we demonstrated the versatility of this approach by applying it to the biosynthesis of 4-amino-phenylalanine production. This study highlights the potential of modular metabolic pathway division for increased production of target compounds and provides valuable insight into microbial production of chemicals that require specific biosynthetic donors such as amino groups.