Fermentative Production of Organic Acids for Polymer Synthesis
Sang Yup Lee, Yu Kyung Jung, Hyo Hak Song, Ji Mahn Kim and Jin Hwan Park
from: Microbial Production of Biopolymers and Polymer Precursors: Applications and Perspectives (Edited by: Bernd H. A. Rehm). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2009)
Abstract
Polymers derived from petrochemicals are indispensable materials in mankind's daily life. Owing to the increasing environmental concerns and increasing oil price, there has recently been much interest in developing processes for the production of monomers from renewable resources. In this chapter, we review fermentative production of three and four-carbon organic acids that can be used as monomers for polymer synthesis. Microorganisms and bioprocesses employing them for the production of lactic, acrylic, succinic, fumaric, and aspartic acids are reviewed. Metabolic pathways and characteristics for the formation of these acids are detailed along with metabolic engineering strategies read more ...
