Selective carboxylation of substituted phenols with engineered Escherichia coli whole-cells

Abstract Selective carboxylation of substituted phenols is realized in the presence of bicarbonate under ambient pressure by engineered Escherichia coli whole-cells expressing various hydroxybenzoate decarboxylases, leading to their corresponding ortho-hydroxybenzoates. This process may be further developed as an efficient route to upgrade lignin-derived phenolic compounds as valuable building blocks.