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    STUDIA CHEMIA - Issue no. 2 / 2014  
         
  Article:   BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTION OF SUCCINIC ACID FROM GLYCEROL; THE ROLE OF CO-SUBSTRATES.

Authors:  SZABOLCS LÁNYI.
 
       
         
  Abstract:   Our society is merely based on petroleum, however its availability and the impact on environment makes this energy source unsustainable. Hence, search for new renewable energy sources is of major interest. Biodiesel as biofuel is a promising source and intensively studied for the substitution of fossil fuels. However, during the production process glycerol is generated as the main by-product (10% (w/w)). The bio-based conversion of glycerol to valuable chemical such as succinic acid by commonly used microorganisms like Escherichia coli is one of possible applications. Succinic acid is used in a number of industries including: polymers, food, it can be converted to biodegradable plastics, etc. Genetically engineered strains can be used to provide a cost-effective, ecologically sustainable alternative to the current petrochemical production process. The main aim of this study was to make predictions and to analyse the production of succinic acid from glycerol if different chemicals (co-substrates) are present in the minimal media. We found that the presence of co-substrate in minimal medium is critical under anaerobic conditions; on the other hand, with genetic modifications the succinic acid production can be significantly influenced. The in silico studies presented here may serve as important contribution to the implementation of biorefineries by converting biofuel waste glycerol, into a higher-value chemical, reducing environmental impacts. The new application of glycerol may improve the economic viability of the biodiesel industry.

Keywords: Glycerol; Succinic acid; Escherichia coli; Metabolic engineering - Modelling;
 
         
     
         
         
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