Efficient bioconversion of 2,3-butanediol into acetoin using Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 2003

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Microbiology

Background:

• 2,3-Butanediol is a valuable platform biochemical derivable from biomass.
• A need exists for value-added derivative processes for 2,3-butanediol to expand its utilization.
• Developing efficient bioconversion routes is crucial for sustainable chemical production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify microorganisms capable of transforming 2,3-butanediol into high-value acetoin.
• To optimize the bioconversion conditions for efficient acetoin production.
• To establish a novel bioprocess for acetoin synthesis from 2,3-butanediol.

Main Methods:

• Screening of microbial strains for 2,3-butanediol transformation.
• Bioconversion experiments using Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 2003.
• Optimization of fermentation parameters including temperature and pH.
• Fed-batch bioconversion for high-density acetoin production.

Main Results:

• Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 2003 demonstrated the ability to convert all stereoisomers of 2,3-butanediol to acetoin.
• Optimized conditions (30°C, pH 6.0) yielded high acetoin concentration (89.2 g/L) from 40 g/L 2,3-butanediol.
• Achieved high productivity (1.24 g/L·h) and yield (0.912 mol/mol), setting new records for acetoin production.

Conclusions:

• G. oxydans DSM 2003 is the first reported strain for direct acetoin production from 2,3-butanediol.
• The developed bioconversion process offers a promising route for efficient acetoin synthesis.
• This method enhances the industrial utilization of 2,3-butanediol and creates value-added products.