Microbial production and applications of 1,2-propanediol

1,2-Propanediol (propylene glycol) is an existing commodity chemical and can be produced from renewable resources using microbes. By virtue of being a natural product, relevant biochemical pathways can be harnessed into fermentation processes to produce 1,2-propanediol. In the present review, the chemical process and different biological strategies for the production of 1,2-propanediol are reviewed and compared with the potentials and limitations of all processes. For the successful commercial production of this diol, it is necessary to establish the metabolic pathways and production hosts (microorganisms), which are capable of delivering final product with high yields and volumetric productivity. Three pathways which have been recognized for 1,2-propanediol production are discussed here. In the first, de-oxy sugars like fucose and rhamnose are used as the carbon sources, while in the other route, the glycolytic intermediate-dihydroxyacetonephosphate (DHAP) is used to produce 1,2-propanediol via the formation of methylglyoxal. A new pathway of 1,2-propanediol production by lactic acid degradation under anoxic conditions and the enzymes involved is also discussed. The production of this diol has gained attention because of their newer applications in industries such as polymers, food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, etc. Furthermore, improvement in fermentation technology will permit its uses in other applications. Future prospect in the light of the current research and its potential as a major bulk chemical are discussed.