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Metabolic Engineering of Microbial Strains for 1,2,4-Butanetriol Production: Progress and Future Perspectives
Wei-Bin Wang1, Meng-Rui Tao1, Kai Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|July 20, 2026
Summary
This study explores metabolic engineering strategies for sustainable 1,2,4-butanetriol (BT) production from biomass. It highlights advancements in pathway design, optimization, and the use of lignocellulosic feedstocks for cost-competitive biochemical manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Metabolic Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Renewable biomass offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for producing biofuels and biochemicals.
- 1,2,4-butanetriol (BT) is a valuable chiral triol with diverse applications in pharmaceuticals and industry.
- Current microbial biosynthesis of BT faces challenges in cost-competitiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research progress in metabolic engineering for 1,2,4-butanetriol (BT) production.
- To discuss strategies for optimizing BT production in engineered microbial hosts.
- To explore the use of lignocellulosic biomass as a sustainable feedstock for BT synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Design and expression of BT biosynthetic pathways in bacterial and yeast cell factories.
- Application of metabolic engineering and process optimization techniques.
- Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable feedstock.
Main Results:
- Progress in designing and implementing BT biosynthetic pathways.
- Development of strategies to enhance BT production yields and efficiency.
- Demonstration of lignocellulosic biomass as a viable feedstock for BT production.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic engineering offers a viable route for sustainable 1,2,4-butanetriol production.
- Further advancements in synthetic biology and AI integration can enhance production efficiency.
- Sustainable feedstocks like lignocellulosic biomass are key to cost-competitive biochemical manufacturing.
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