https://doi.org/10.17113/ftb.63.02.25.8808

article in press

Succinic Acid Production from Monosaccharides and Woody and Herbaceous Plant Hydrolysates Using Metabolically Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum

Dae-Seok Lee^1§, Eun Jin Cho^1§, Seryung Kim², Dien Thanh Nguyen³ and Hyeun-Jong Bae^1,2*

¹Bio-Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea

²Department of Integrative Food, Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea

³School of Biotechnology, Tan Tao University, Long An 82000, Viet Nam

Copyright © 2024 This is a Diamond Open Access article published under CC-BY licence. Copyright remains with the authors, who grant third parties the unrestricted right to use, copy, distribute and reproduce the article as long as the original author(s) and source are acknowledged.

Article history:

Received: 2 August 2024

Accepted: 15 February 2025

Keywords:

succinic acid; lignocellulosic biomass; CRISPR; Corynebacterium glutamicum; fermentation

Summary:

Research background. Succinic acid derived from lignocellulosic biomass presents a sustainable alternative for biochemical production, providing eco-friendly substitutes for petroleum-based chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of variations in hemicellulose content and cellulose fiber structure within the microfibrils of woody and herbaceous plants on the enzymatic saccharification and succinic acid production efficiencies of Psod:SucE12-ΔldhA, a strain overexpressing the succinic acid transporter (SucE).

Experimental approach. The study investigated the influence of different monosaccharide combinations on succinic acid production, focusing on combinations including mannose compared to glucose alone. Additionally, hydrolysates from various lignocellulosic biomass—bamboo, oak, poplar, pine, and spent coffee grounds—were analyzed to determine the most favorable bioresource for succinic acid production.

Results and conclusions. Monosaccharide combinations containing mannose resulted in 2.20-2.48 times higher succinic acid production than glucose alone, indicating a positive influence of mannose on succinic acid metabolism. Among the lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, bamboo, with its higher xylose content compared to woody plants, was the most efficient bioresource for succinic acid production (23.38–24.12 g/L within 24 h), followed by oak, poplar, pine, and spent coffee grounds. Therefore, improving the xylose consumption rate is crucial for enhancing succinic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass and increasing market competitiveness.

Novelty and scientific contribution. This research highlights the potential of lignocellulosic biomass, especially bamboo, as a sustainable feedstock for succinic acid production. The novelty of the study lies in its detailed examination of how hemicellulose content and cellulose fiber structure affect enzymatic saccharification and fermentation. The significant impact of mannose and xylose on succinic acid yields provides key insights for optimizing biomass use in biochemical production. These findings advance bio-based chemical manufacturing, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing industrial sustainability.

^§Both authors contributed equally.