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