Biosynthesis of 1,3-Propanediol: Genetics and Applications

Abstract

Increased demand for renewable fuels and remarkable growth of biodiesel industry resulted in the accumulation of huge quantities of crude glycerol as the by-product. In the context of utilizing this by-product as the raw material, various fine and bulk chemicals were synthesized, among them 1,3-propanediol gained more importance due to its flexible properties as a monomer. Understanding the microbial physiology and genetics with integrated knowledge on molecular tools and techniques helps in developing engineered biocatalysts for the synthesis of 1,3-propanediol in higher titers and productivity. The microbial production of 1,3-propanediol was reviewed in brief regarding, the chemical process and its limitations, glycerol dissimilation, genetics of dha regulon in various microorganisms, metabolic engineering approaches to improve glycerol utilization for 1,3-PDO production, new strategies in modes of fermentation along with the future prospective was outlined.