Bio-based Succinic Acid

Succinic acid, a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid, is a high-demand platform chemical used in biodegradable plastics, coatings, solvents, and food additives. Traditionally derived from fossil fuels, its production emits significant CO₂ and consumes petroleum-based inputs. Synthetic biology offers a renewable alternative — engineering microbes to convert sugars and organic waste into bio-based succinic acid.

This blog explores how synthetic biology enables this shift, presents two key case studies, showcases global innovators, and outlines the commercialization trajectory of this foundational biobased chemical.

How Synthetic Biology Enables Bio-based Succinic Acid Production

Synthetic biology reprograms microbial metabolism to route carbon from renewable sources into succinic acid through efficient fermentation.

Core Pathway Strategies:

• Host Organisms: E. coli, Actinobacillus succinogenes, and Basfia succiniciproducens.
• Target Pathways:
• Reductive TCA (rTCA) pathway
• Glyoxylate shunt (for bypassing CO₂ release)
• Key Modifications:
• Overexpression: PEPC, MDH, Fumarase
• Knockouts: By-product forming genes (e.g., lactate, acetate pathways)
• Fermentation Benefits:
• Operates anaerobically or at low pH
• Uses sugars (glucose, glycerol) or even CO₂-based substrates
• Recovery: Crystallization, electrodialysis, or reactive extraction used post-fermentation.

Case Study: BioAmber and Cargill

A pioneering collaboration between BioAmber and Cargill demonstrated the first commercial-scale renewable succinic acid plant.

Highlights:

• Engineered E. coli optimized for the rTCA pathway.
• Used corn-derived glucose as feedstock.
• Produced 30,000 MT/year with USDA BioPreferred certification.

Timeline & Outcome:

• 2008: Collaboration initiated.
• 2010: 3,000 MT/yr demo plant validated the process.
• 2015: Commercial-scale plant launched in Sarnia, Canada.
• 2018: BioAmber filed for bankruptcy; IP remains active.
• Impact: Validated market potential and industrial feasibility.

Case Study: Succinity (BASF and Corbion JV)

Succinity used a natural succinate-producing microbe to build a low-pH, low-emission fermentation system.

Highlights:

• Used non-GMO Basfia succiniciproducens.
• Scalable anaerobic process reduced neutralizing agent needs.
• Product targeted bioplastics and green solvents.

Timeline & Outcome:

• 2012: Joint venture established.
• 2013: Pilot plant (10,000 MT/year) started in Spain.
• 2016–17: Commercialization discussions and knowledge transfer.
• Impact: Set a benchmark for low-pH bio-succinate production.

Global Startups Advancing Bio-succinic Acid

Reverdia (DSM–Roquette JV)

Developed Yarrowia lipolytica strains; produced Biosuccinium™ for bioplastics and coatings.

Myriant (USA)

Engineered bacteria for food-grade succinic acid. Acquired post-2017; legacy patents remain influential.

India Outlook

Though no commercial-scale players yet, DBT-ICT, CSIR-IICT, and BioNEST-supported startups are working on microbial valorization of agri-residues for succinate production.

Commercialization Outlook

Market Potential

• 2024 Market Size: ~$240 million
• 2032 Forecast: ~$500 million (CAGR: ~8%)
• Main Uses: Bioplastics (PBS), solvents, polyesters, food ingredients, and pharmaceuticals.

Key Drivers

• Push for bio-based solvents and biodegradable plastics.
• Decarbonization in automotive and packaging industries.
• Increased access to cheap, waste-based feedstocks.
• Policy support in EU, US, and parts of Asia.

Challenges to Address

1. Cost Competitiveness

• Bio-succinic acid: $2.5–3.0/kg
• Fossil-derived: ~$1.8/kg
• Gap driven by expensive recovery methods and feedstock variability.

2. Feedstock Constraints

• Lignocellulosic biomass requires energy-intensive pretreatment.
• Inconsistent quality of waste substrates affects productivity.

3. Strain Robustness

• High productivity and pH tolerance required for scale-up.
• Need for genetically stable organisms in continuous fermentation.

4. Downstream Processing

• Recovery (via crystallization/electrodialysis) is energy- and cost-intensive.
• Salt buildup and filtration issues affect scalability.

5. Infrastructure & Investment

• High CAPEX for fermentation and purification systems.
• Emerging markets lack logistics for biomass collection and fermentation.

Progress Indicators

Conclusion

Bio-based succinic acid is a compelling example of how synthetic biology can replace fossil-derived chemicals with sustainable, circular alternatives. Commercial milestones by BioAmber and Succinity, alongside innovations from startups like Reverdia, have proven both the feasibility and value proposition of this approach.

India’s research institutes and synthetic biology startups are primed to tap into this value chain, especially as feedstock valorization and fermentation technologies mature. As strain performance improves and downstream costs drop, bio-succinic acid could become a cornerstone of the low-carbon chemicals market.