A KAIST research team has succeeded in doubling the productivity of 'succinic acid' compared to existing levels.
Succinic acid is a type of industrial basic chemical used as a raw material for plastics and in the synthesis of food and pharmaceuticals.
Production of succinic acid through microbial cultivation contributes to reducing carbon dioxide (carbon neutrality). However, technical challenges such as low production yield act as obstacles to the commercial production of succinic acid. This highlights the significance of the research team's achievement in improving succinic acid productivity.
(From left) Professor Lee Sang-yeop, PhD candidate Kim Ji-yeon (co-first author), Dr. Lee Jong-eon (co-first author). Provided by KAIST
On the 11th, KAIST announced that a research team led by Dr. Ji-yeon Kim, a doctoral student in the Department of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Dr. Jong-eon Lee, and Distinguished Professor Sang Yup Lee succeeded in developing a high-efficiency succinic acid-producing strain by optimizing the magnesium (Mg2+) transport system.
Previously, the team identified the effects of alkaline neutralizers used to control hydrogen ion concentration (pH) during microbial fermentation on succinic acid production and selected the optimal neutralizer.
They also confirmed that using a neutralizer containing magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and analyzing the physiological effects of magnesium revealed its important role in cell growth and succinic acid production.
The team identified the corA gene, a magnesium transporter present in Mannheimia, a microorganism isolated from the rumen of Korean cattle (Hanwoo), and enhanced magnesium transport capacity by introducing various magnesium transporters.
In particular, by introducing a high-efficiency magnesium transporter derived from Salmonella enterica and optimizing the system, they were able to produce 152.23 g/L of succinic acid.
At this time, the maximum productivity was 39.64 g/L/h, approximately twice the productivity of previous levels. This is among the highest succinic acid productivity figures reported worldwide to date.
Based on the research results conducted so far, the team is continuously breaking new records in succinic acid productivity.
Professor Lee said, “This research is significant in that it presents a new standard for succinic acid production and confirms the potential to greatly enhance the economic feasibility of bio-based chemicals,” adding, “We expect this research to contribute to the development of a sustainable biochemical industry.”
Meanwhile, this research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT under the project ‘Development of Next-Generation Biorefinery Core Technologies to Lead the Biochemical Industry’ as part of the Petroleum Alternative Eco-friendly Chemical Technology Development Program. The research results were published in the September 6 issue (local time) of the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
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