Microbial Production of Catechin

Catechins, frequently referred to as flavan-3-ols, are the main bioactive constituents present in polyphenols of green tea. The four main green tea catechins are (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate. While catechins are not essential for human nutrition, it has an important impact to improve human wellness through avoiding several illnesses. Catechins are recognized for their wide range of biological functions, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiobesity, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. At present, the industrial synthesis of anthocyanins predominantly depends on the extraction process from plant tissues. However, this method is limited by the availability of plants during specific seasons and the challenges of ensuring consistent quality, which are intrinsic to agriculture. Biosynthesis in metabolically engineered microorganisms is an alternative method of production. This strategy has several benefits compared to plants, such as its simplicity of cultivation and the fast proliferation of microorganisms. Moreover, the use of advanced genetic tools and established metabolic networks and models enhances the advantages of utilizing microbes. To further, metabolically modified Escherichia coli has become highly suitable for the production of catechin.