Ethanol: A viable alternative to sugar-based carbon sources for biomanufacturing

Ethanol: A viable alternative to sugar-based carbon sources for biomanufacturing
Ethanol biosynthesis and ethanol-based biomanufacturing. Credit: Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02546-w

In a recent review in Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, a research team led by Associated Professor Wang Peng from the Hefei Institutes of 糖心视频ical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Dr. Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro from Imperial College London, provided a comprehensive overview of ethanol as a renewable carbon source for producing various high-value products, offering new perspectives for the development of eco-friendly industrial biotechnology processes.

Industrial biotechnology often relies on microbes to convert carbohydrate substrates from sugar- or starch-rich crops to valuable products. However, this reliance poses challenges as the grows and food scarcity worsens. Therefore, it is urgent to explore renewable carbon sources that do not compete with for sustainable bioprocessing.

Researchers presented a comprehensive analysis in this study, revealing the unique advantages of as a renewable substrate, summarizing microbial ethanol metabolism pathways and ethanol tolerance mechanisms, which provided a theoretical foundation for engineering industrial strains.

The study also reviewed the latest advancements in ethanol biosynthesis and ethanol-based biomanufacturing, including the production of high-value chemicals such as bioplastics, pharmaceutical precursors, and .

The researchers also discussed the potential challenges and outlined future research directions of ethanol-based biomanufacturing.

This research offers an alternative solution to the resource challenges faced by the biomanufacturing industry, contributing to reducing resource pressures and advancing sustainable, green development.

More information: Manman Sun et al, Microbial conversion of ethanol to high-value products: progress and challenges, Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts (2024).

Citation: Ethanol: A viable alternative to sugar-based carbon sources for biomanufacturing (2024, September 18) retrieved 11 July 2025 from /news/2024-09-ethanol-viable-alternative-sugar-based.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Spectroscopic study unveils key steps for turning CO₂ into valuable chemicals

8 shares

Feedback to editors