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Itaconic acid biomanufacturing: metabolic engineering and green process development
Jiaqi Yu1,2,3, Zhiwen Wang1,2,4, Tao Chen1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P. R. China.
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
|July 30, 2026
Summary
This review explores metabolic engineering and bioprocess innovations to improve itaconic acid (IA) production. It highlights strategies for sustainable, cost-effective IA biosynthesis using renewable resources and AI.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Metabolic Engineering
- Bioprocess Engineering
Background:
- Itaconic acid (IA) is a versatile unsaturated dicarboxylic acid with broad industrial, medical, food, and energy applications.
- Biotechnological IA production offers sustainability and control but faces cost, efficiency, and separation challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances and key technologies in itaconic acid biosynthesis.
- To analyze engineering strategies for improved IA production and address industrialization barriers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of metabolic engineering strategies for *de novo* IA production.
- Discussion of whole-cell catalysis and fermentation process optimization.
- Review of renewable substrates and AI-assisted strain engineering for IA biosynthesis.
Main Results:
- Identified engineering strategies to enhance IA yield and substrate utilization.
- Examined the application of renewable resources and green process technologies.
- Highlighted the potential of AI in optimizing IA production.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic engineering and bioprocess innovations are crucial for cost-effective and sustainable IA production.
- Future directions include AI-assisted engineering and low-carbon processes for industrial IA biosynthesis.
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