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Microbial production of medium-chain-length diols: Current stage and perspectives
Chunzhe Lu1, Ruud A Weusthuis2
1Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
Bioresource Technology
|July 3, 2025
Summary
Sustainable production of medium-chain-length α,ω-diols (mcl-diols) is achievable through microbial biosynthesis from renewable sources. This review explores current pathways, challenges, and future strategies for bio-based mcl-diol manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Medium-chain-length α,ω-diols (mcl-diols) are key industrial chemicals currently derived from fossil fuels.
- There is a significant drive towards developing sustainable, bio-based alternatives for mcl-diol production.
- Microbial biosynthesis offers a promising route using renewable feedstocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare existing microbial biosynthetic pathways for mcl-diols.
- To identify strengths, limitations, and challenges in current production methods.
- To propose future research directions for efficient and cost-effective bio-production.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and comparative analysis of microbial mcl-diol production pathways.
- Examination of pathways based on fatty acid biosynthesis and reversed β-oxidation.
- Identification of critical bottlenecks including enzyme activity and product toxicity.
Main Results:
- Successful mcl-diol production demonstrated from diverse renewable substrates like fatty acids and glucose.
- A generalized biosynthetic pathway framework has been proposed.
- Key challenges identified: microbial chassis optimization, enzyme efficiency, and toxicity mitigation.
Conclusions:
- Microbial biosynthesis is a viable sustainable alternative for mcl-diol production.
- Advancements in metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and synthetic biology are crucial.
- Future focus on AI-driven design and process optimization will accelerate commercialization.
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