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Perspectives for Advancing Biotechnological Succinic Acid Production
Christoph Gunkel1,2, Bastian Blombach1,2
1Microbial Biotechnology, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Straubing, Germany.
Microbial Biotechnology
|April 28, 2026
Summary
Next-generation bio-succinic acid production aims to overcome high costs and sustainability challenges. This research explores advanced carbon assimilation and low-pH fermentation using sustainable feedstocks and acid-tolerant yeasts for competitive bio-succinic acid manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology
- Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Succinic acid is a key platform chemical for transitioning from fossil-based to sustainable manufacturing.
- Current bio-succinic acid production faces challenges with high costs and sustainability, often linked to feedstock and inefficient acid/base utilization.
- Overcoming these limitations is crucial for the widespread adoption of bio-based chemicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss biochemical principles and metabolic pathways for next-generation carbon assimilation and low-pH fermentations for succinic acid production.
- To evaluate the potential of sustainable, next-generation feedstocks for bio-succinic acid synthesis.
- To assess advances in low-pH succinic acid production using acid-tolerant yeasts and their industrial applicability.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of electron, carbon, and ATP balances for feedstock potential.
- Thermodynamic considerations for bio-succinic acid synthesis.
- Review of acid tolerance mechanisms in yeasts for low-pH fermentation.
Main Results:
- Identified potential for producing succinic acid from sustainable next-generation feedstocks.
- Summarized key advances in low-pH succinic acid synthesis using acid-tolerant yeasts.
- Assessed the industrial suitability of various acid tolerance mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Next-generation approaches in carbon assimilation and low-pH fermentation are essential for competitive and sustainable bio-succinic acid production.
- Utilizing sustainable feedstocks and robust, acid-tolerant yeasts can address current economic and environmental drawbacks.
- Further research into innovative strategies is needed to realize the full potential of biotechnological succinic acid.
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