Production of 1, 3-propanediol from glycerol via fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Issue 17 (25th May 2016) - Tabah, Betina
Abstract : Baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is reported as possessing the ability to convert glycerol to 1, 3-propanediol. Various fermentation conditions were tested at different temperatures. Under anaerobic fermentation at 25 °C, 93.6 wt% glycerol was consumed, yielding 42.3 wt% 1, 3-propanediol. Abstract : The demand for 1, 3-propanediol-based polymers is constantly increasing, necessitating an increase in 1, 3-propanediol production. While the processes for the chemical and bacterial synthesis of 1, 3-propanediol are well-known, we report for the first time the possibility of glycerol conversion to 1, 3-propanediol by a fungal strain. The synthesis of 1, 3-propanediol by biological means is extremely lucrative, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the development of an optimized process for the production of the value-added chemical 1, 3-propanediol from what can be considered as industrial waste, glycerol, via fermentation using instant baker's yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ). Various glycerol fermentation conditions (aerobic, semi-aerobic, and anaerobic) were tested at different reaction temperatures (25, 30, and 37 °C). Under optimal reaction conditions (anaerobic fermentation at 25 °C), 42.3 wt% 1, 3-propanediol yield was achieved with 93.6 wt% glycerol conversion.