Biomanufacturing of Succinic Acid

Succinic acid (SA) is a key platform chemical with broad applications in biodegradable materials, pharmaceuticals, and food additives, and its market demand continues to expand rapidly. Conventional production processes for SA rely heavily on fossil resources, are associated with substantial carbon emissions, and impose significant environmental burdens, rendering them incompatible with global carbon neutrality goals and the ongoing transition toward sustainable, low-carbon development. Microbial biosynthesis, by contrast, utilizes renewable carbon feedstocks under mild operating conditions and exhibits high atom economy, offering a promising alternative to petrochemical routes. In this review, we systematically trace the historical development of bio-based SA, focusing on technological innovations aimed at cost reduction. We summarize the principal metabolic pathways involved in SA biosynthesis, and critically examine advances in native SA-producing rumen bacteria, metabolically engineered bacteria, and yeast chassis systems. Furthermore, we objectively analyze the application of non-food feedstocks in bio-based SA production and highlight that, despite the current lack of economic competitiveness, such feedstocks represent a crucial direction for the future green and sustainable development of bio-based SA. Finally, we analyze the commercialization trajectory and strategic landscape of bio-based SA both globally and in China. This review aims to provide a conceptual framework and theoretical insights to facilitate the transition of green SA biomanufacturing from laboratory research to large-scale industrial implementation.