Microbial production of 1,3-propanediol.
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.
Sauer
Michael
M
School of Bioengineering, FH Campus Wien-University of Applied Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria. michael.sauer@fh-campuswien.ac.at
Marx
Hans
H
Mattanovich
Diethard
D
D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010330:Patents as Topic; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism*
D011409:Propylene Glycols; C041787:1,3-propanediol