Photodecarboxylase Displayed on Microbial Cell‐Surface for Enhanced Biocatalytic Performance

Abstract Surface display technology has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing the stability, accessibility, and reusability of enzymes. Fatty acid photodecarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis NC64A ( Cv FAP) is capable of catalyzing decarboxylation reactions from free fatty acids to alkanes under blue light, however, its stability and reusability in catalytic cycles remain to be improved. Herein, we successfully displayed Cv FAP on the surface of Escherichia coli cells utilizing full‐length ice nucleation protein as the anchor protein. By comparing the performance of the surface displayed Cv FAP with whole‐cells harboring Cv FAP, it was found that surface displaying of Cv FAP significantly reduces the reaction time and enhances substrate accessibility, resulting in a turnover number of 9972. Also, compared to soluble enzymes, the surface displayed Cv FAP exhibits enhanced stability and reusability in the decarboxylation reaction. Furthermore, the broad substrate scope of surface displayed Cv FAP suggests its potential for large‐scale hydrocarbon and fatty chemicals production. Overall, our results highlight the value of surface display approach in broadening the application of photodecarboxylase.