Production of l-phenylalanine from glucose by metabolic engineering of wild type Escherichia coli W3110

► The catalysis domain of PheA could elevate Phe concentration in the broth. ► aroG29 and aroG15 are thermostable mutants increasing Phe concentration by 5-fold. ► Gene ydiB and aroK raise the Phe yield and productivity and shorten the lag phase.