Production of 1,3-propanediol from glycerol via fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

The demand for 1,3-propanediol-based polymers is constantly increasing, necessitating an increase in 1,3-propanediol production. While the processes for the chemical and bacterial synthesis of 1,3-propanediol are well-known, we report for the first time the possibility of glycerol conversion to 1,3-propanediol by a fungal strain. The synthesis of 1,3-propanediol by biological means is extremely lucrative, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the development of an optimized process for the production of the value-added chemical 1,3-propanediol from what can be considered as industrial waste, glycerol, via fermentation using instant baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Various glycerol fermentation conditions (aerobic, semi-aerobic, and anaerobic) were tested at different reaction temperatures (25, 30, and 37 °C). Under optimal reaction conditions (anaerobic fermentation at 25 °C), 42.3 wt% 1,3-propanediol yield was achieved with 93.6 wt% glycerol conversion.