Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that may be used for the synthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (“BIAs”) such as thebaine and morphine and their derivatives. The methods disclosed can be used to produce thebaine, oripavine, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, naltrexone, naloxone, hydroxycodeinone, neopinone, and/or buprenorphine. Compositions and organisms useful for the synthesis of BIAs, including thebaine synthases and polynucleotides encoding the same, are provided. Further, methods of adjusting pH to optimize the reaction are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the production of enzymes. Interest has arisen in fermentation of carbohydrate-rich biomass to provide alternatives to petrochemical sources for fuels and organic chemical precursors. “First generation” bioethanol production from carbohydrate sources (e.g., sugar cane, corn, wheat, etc.) have proven to be marginally economically viable on a production scale.