Recent advances in biological synthesis of food additive succinate

Succinate, a crucial bio-based chemical building block, has already found extensive applications in fields such as food additives, pharmaceutical intermediates, and the chemical materials industry. To efficiently and economically synthesize succinate, substantial endeavors have been executed to optimize fermentation processes and downstream operations. Nonetheless, there is still a need to enhance cost-effectiveness and competitiveness while considering environmental concerns, particularly in light of the escalating demands and challenges posed by global warming. This article primarily focuses on the application of metabolic engineering strategies to strengthen succinate biosynthesis. These strategies encompass fermentation regulation, metabolic regulation, cellular regulation, and model guidance. By leveraging advanced synthetic biology techniques, this review highlights the potential for developing robust microbial cell factories and shaping the future directions for the integration of microbes in industrial applications.