Presentation Information
[2BRBP-05]Process and technology development priorities for direct microbial conversion of sugars into valuable biochemicals
○Johann Gorgens1, Manasseh K Sikazwe1, Jeanne Louw1 (1. Stellenbosch University (South Africa))
Keywords:
Sugarcane Biorefinery,Techno-economic analysis,Metabolic engineering,Greenhouse gas reduction
Direct microbial conversion of sugars into value-added biochemicals offers a low-cost, low-carbon bioeconomy but are currently constrained by low conversion efficiencies. Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering could alleviate these limitations, to achieve substantial improvements in yield, volumetric productivity and product titre. However, implementation of these strategies demand extensive investment as demonstrated by the $130 million spent over 15 years and $50 million over 13 years for the development and commercialization of 1,4-butanediol and artemisinin, respectively. Thus, it is crucial to prioritize research and development of bioproducts with the potential to deliver the greatest economic and environmental benefits.
This study conducted comprehensive techno-economic and carbon footprint assessments of multiple biorefinery scenarios, modelled to convert molasses from an existing sugarcane mill into one of five high-value chemicals, namely 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), adipic acid (ADA), 1,2-propanediol or acrylic acid (ACA). Theoretical maxima for sugar to product yields, volumetric productivity and product titres were estimated, and the stepwise improvements in bioprocess performances linked with critical economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) metrics, to determine commercial viability.
Collectively, these analyses allowed prioritization of bioproducts for technology development: 3-HP and 2,3-BDO emerged as promising short-term candidates, with current technology achieving production costs competitive with fossil-derived products, together with attractive GHG reduction benefits. ADA should be prioritized for medium-term development, as statistical analysis showed that minimal improvements in bioconversion efficiencies were needed to reach commercial competitiveness. ACA had the highest long-term profitability potential, with projected selling prices of $788–$1397 per ton, but achieving this requires technology improvements of an order of magnitude, which is severely restricted by product toxicity. Alternatively, ACA production via sugar-derived 3-HP—offering up to 43.0% lower minimum selling prices and 73.4% lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil-based methods—should be prioritized for medium-term deployment.
The technically achievable performances of all five products suggest that they can be produced in an environmentally-beneficial manner at a cost that is competitive with fossil-fuel derived products, through appropriate investments in strain and bioprocess development.
This study conducted comprehensive techno-economic and carbon footprint assessments of multiple biorefinery scenarios, modelled to convert molasses from an existing sugarcane mill into one of five high-value chemicals, namely 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), adipic acid (ADA), 1,2-propanediol or acrylic acid (ACA). Theoretical maxima for sugar to product yields, volumetric productivity and product titres were estimated, and the stepwise improvements in bioprocess performances linked with critical economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) metrics, to determine commercial viability.
Collectively, these analyses allowed prioritization of bioproducts for technology development: 3-HP and 2,3-BDO emerged as promising short-term candidates, with current technology achieving production costs competitive with fossil-derived products, together with attractive GHG reduction benefits. ADA should be prioritized for medium-term development, as statistical analysis showed that minimal improvements in bioconversion efficiencies were needed to reach commercial competitiveness. ACA had the highest long-term profitability potential, with projected selling prices of $788–$1397 per ton, but achieving this requires technology improvements of an order of magnitude, which is severely restricted by product toxicity. Alternatively, ACA production via sugar-derived 3-HP—offering up to 43.0% lower minimum selling prices and 73.4% lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil-based methods—should be prioritized for medium-term deployment.
The technically achievable performances of all five products suggest that they can be produced in an environmentally-beneficial manner at a cost that is competitive with fossil-fuel derived products, through appropriate investments in strain and bioprocess development.
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