Microbial Production of 1,3-Propanediol

Title: Microbial Production of 1,3-Propanediol

Volume: 2 Issue: 3

Author(s): Michael Sauer, Hans Marx and Diethard Mattanovich

Affiliation:

Keywords: 1,3-Propanediol, industrial microbiology, biorefinery, white biotechnology, bulk chemical, bio-based polymer, reducing power

Abstract: The introduction of economic production processes for 1,3-propanediol is a success story for the creation of a new market for a (bulk) chemical. The compound and its favorable properties have long been known; also the fermentation of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol had been described more than 120 years ago. Nevertheless, the product remained a specialty chemical until recently, when two new processes were introduced, providing 1,3-propanediol at a competitive price. Remarkably, one of the processes is in the field of white biotechnology and based on microbial fermentation, converting a renewable carbon source into a bulk chemical. This review covers the most important patents that led to the commercialization of bio-based 1,3-propanediol. Furthermore, some of the recent developments towards a sustainable industry are addressed. Similar questions arise for a variety of products if they are to be produced bio-based in large scale. However, special emphasis is given to 1,3- propanediol production.

Cite this article as:

Sauer Michael, Marx Hans and Mattanovich Diethard, Microbial Production of 1,3-Propanediol, Recent Patents on Biotechnology 2008; 2 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187220808786240999