Investigation of fatty aldehyde and alcohol synthesis from fatty acids by αDox- or CAR-expressing Escherichia coli.

•Aldehyde/alcohol ratios differ largely in αDox- or CAR-catalyzed biotransformations.•Catabolic redox state of CAR-expressing probably the reason for the high aldehyde reduction activity.•Undecanal product titer 10 mM using αDox, dodecanol product titer 6 mM using Car.•E. coli fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase activity produces C12, C11, C10 and C9 fatty acids.