Comparison of two routes for the bio‐based production of economically important C4 streams

Abstract

AbstractFour carbon compounds like 1,4‐butanediol (1,4‐BDO), succinic acid (SA) have been identified as platform chemicals for producing polymers from renewable resources. The successful commercialization of 1,3‐propanediol by Dupont Tate and Lyle Bioproducts and 1,4‐BDO by Genomatica Inc. has established the commercial viability of green chemicals. In this study, we present the analyses to produce four‐carbon compounds (C4s) like 1,4‐BDO, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran from dextrose through two separate routes: (a) single‐step bioconversion and (b) hydrogenation of bio‐based SA. It was concluded that for an extended process involving hydrogenation of SA, additional increases in SA titer values and productivity by genetically modifying the relevant organisms will be required to achieve viability especially in comparison with the single‐step bioconversion process for 1,4‐BDO. In addition, the single‐step bioconversion process has lower greenhouse gas emissions but has higher overall water usage. Overall, given the published state of technology, the direct bioconversion route produces C4s (1,4‐BDO) at $ 1.8/kg and is economically viable, while the SA hydrogenation process (C4s refinery) produces C4s at $ 3.6/kg and is not competitive with current production routes.