Microbial oxidation of polyols to bifunctional chemical building blocks for a bio-based industry
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Kemiska institutionen |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 131 345 |
| Project duration | December 2012 - December 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The goal of the project has been partially fulfilled. Microbial oxidation of several diols like 1,3-PDO, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and 1,2-propanediol to their respective hydroxyacids was achieved while among the larger polyols indication of oxidation of pentaerythritol was seen.
Expected long term effects
The results showed that the acetic acid bacteria, Gluconobacter oxydans was useful for selective oxidation of diols while among different bacteria tested Flavobacterium oxydans showed the ability to transform 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (2M1,3PD) and pentaerythritol (PE). Further work can thus be focused on these organisms and their enzyme systems and their optimization to develop a functional process for polyol oxidation.
Approach and implementation
A number of polyols were used as substrates in the study, and different microorganisms grown in the presence of glycerol were used as biocatalysts for their selective oxidation. Polyol conversion was monitored by HPLC. G. oxydans catalysed the oxidation of diols, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and 2M1,3PD, but not of those with quaternary carbon in -position. Among the larger polyols, only PE was converted by F. oxydans.