Microbial Fermentation for 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid - BioBiz

Introduction

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is a key bio-based platform chemical recognized for its versatility in producing acrylic acid, bioplastics, and specialty polymers. It features both hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups, making it a precursor to a wide range of value-added chemicals.

Traditionally, acrylic acid is derived from fossil-based propylene, which is energy-intensive and emits significant greenhouse gases. In contrast, microbial fermentation of renewable feedstocks such as sugars, glycerol, and lignocellulosic biomass can yield 3-HP in an eco-friendly and potentially cost-competitive manner. This has attracted attention from researchers and companies aiming to decarbonize the production of acrylics, acrylamides, polyesters, and green solvents.

What Products Are Produced?

  • 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) – Core biobased platform molecule
  • Downstream derivatives:
  • Acrylic acid, acrylamide, acrylonitrile – for paints, textiles, plastics
  • 1,3-Propanediol, malonic acid, biopolyesters
  • Green solvents and specialty coatings

Pathways and Production Methods

1. Glycerol-Based Pathway

  • Glycerol → 3-HPA → 3-HP
  • Catalyzed by glycerol dehydratase and aldehyde dehydrogenase
  • Microbes: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus reuteri, engineered E. coli

2. Malonyl-CoA Pathway

  • Glucose → Acetyl-CoA → Malonyl-CoA → 3-HP
  • Engineered E. coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae using malonyl-CoA reductase (MCR)
  • Offers tighter carbon control and higher selectivity

3. β-Alanine Route

  • Glucose → Aspartate → β-Alanine → 3-HP
  • Requires β-alanine-pyruvate aminotransferase and aldehyde oxidase

Catalysts and Key Tools Used

Microbial Hosts:

  • Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, engineered E. coli
  • S. cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis also being explored

Key Enzymes:

  • Glycerol dehydratase, malonyl-CoA reductase (MCR)
  • Aldehyde dehydrogenase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase
  • CoA ligase, aminotransferases

Tools:

  • CRISPR/Cas for pathway optimization
  • Dynamic metabolic control to reduce toxicity
  • pH-controlled fermenters, in situ product removal

Case Study: Cargill–Novozymes Project on Bio-Acrylic Acid via 3-HP

Highlights

  • Joint venture to produce bio-based acrylic acid via fermentation-derived 3-HP
  • Focused on replacing fossil-based propylene acrylic
  • Target application in diapers, adhesives, coatings

Timeline

  • 2011 – Project initiated with DOE support
  • 2015 – Lab-scale 3-HP fermentation with >40 g/L titer
  • 2019 – Pilot-scale trials and techno-economic validation
  • 2022 – Technology licensed for commercial biorefineries

Global and Indian Startups Working in This Area

Global

  • Cargill–Novozymes – Acrylic acid from 3-HP
  • BASF – Explored 3-HP for polyesters and solvents
  • ADM – Glycerol valorization for platform chemicals
  • METabolic EXplorer (France) – Fermentation of glycerol to 3-HP

India

  • Praj Industries – Bio-refining platforms capable of glycerol/3-HP integration
  • IIT Delhi, ICT Mumbai – Enzyme engineering for MCR
  • CSIR-IICT, IIT Guwahati – Bioprocess development for 3-HP
  • DBT-BIRAC-supported startups – Working on 3-HP for biopolymer feedstocks

Market and Demand

The 3-HP global market is valued at around USD 45 million in 2023, with a projected value of USD 280 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 29%, largely driven by demand for bio-acrylics and biodegradable polymers.

Major Use Segments:

  • Acrylic acid derivatives – adhesives, paints, hygiene products
  • Bioplastics – poly(3-HP), bio-PBS
  • Solvents and coatings
  • Chemical intermediates – for pharma and food processing

Key Growth Drivers

  • Demand for green alternatives to fossil-derived acrylic acid
  • Glycerol oversupply from biodiesel creating low-cost feedstock
  • Integration with bioplastics and specialty polymers markets
  • Government policies promoting low-carbon materials
  • Applications in personal care, packaging, and pharma

Challenges to Address

  • Toxicity of intermediates (3-HPA, aldehydes) to host microbes
  • Need for higher titers (>100 g/L) and stable yields
  • Downstream purification and recovery costs
  • In India: Access to scalable bioreactor systems and industry adoption

Progress Indicators

  • 2010–2015 – Glycerol-to-3-HP proof-of-concept established
  • 2017 – Malonyl-CoA pathway optimized for higher flux
  • 2020 – Pilot fermenters produce 3-HP at industrial scale
  • 2023–2024 – Indian labs report titers of 30–50 g/L from glycerol

Glycerol to 3-HP fermentation: TRL 6–8. Malonyl-CoA route: TRL 5–7. In India: TRL 4–6, progressing toward scale-up pilots

Conclusion

Microbial fermentation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid is a promising bio-manufacturing route to enable green acrylics, sustainable polymers, and circular chemicals. With flexible feedstocks and multiple production pathways, it supports the shift away from fossil-based monomers.

India’s strength in glycerol valorization and sugar fermentation, combined with a growing demand for eco-friendly coatings, adhesives, and bioplastics, positions it to become a regional leader in the 3-HP value chain as the technology matures.


Wish to have bio-innovations industry or market research support from specialists for climate & environment? Talk to BioBiz team – Call Muthu at +91-9952910083 or send a note to ask@biobiz.in

Expert Consulting Assistance for Indian Bioenergy & Biomaterials

Talk to BioBiz

Call Muthu – 9952910083

Email – ask@biobiz.in