The bio based chemical industry is experiencing a dual breakthrough in technology and cost. In recent years, the biological route for producing 1,3-propanediol (PDO) using agricultural by-products has become increasingly mature. Low cost renewable carbon sources represented by corn cobs are becoming a new focus, which not only significantly reduces production costs, but also opens up new prospects for the green application of PDO in the field of food additives.
1、 The Rise of Biological 1,3-Propanediol
1,3-propanediol is an important polyol compound with the molecular formula C ∝ H ₈ O ₂, possessing excellent hygroscopicity, solubility, and chemical reactivity. The traditional chemical route is based on petrochemical raw materials such as propylene, which are obtained through steps such as chlorination and hydrogenation, resulting in high energy consumption, heavy pollution, and increased carbon emissions.
In contrast, the production of 1,3-propanediol by biological methods uses renewable carbon sources as raw materials and achieves green synthesis through microbial fermentation, which has advantages such as low carbon, safety, and environmental protection.
This route was first developed jointly by DuPont and Genencor, and the fermentation process using corn sugar as a carbon source was the first to achieve industrialization. In recent years, with the advancement of biotechnology, metabolic modification, and catalytic technology, new efficient fermentation strains and raw material routes have emerged continuously, promoting the continuous expansion of industrialization scale.
2、 Corn cob - a new breakthrough in low-cost raw materials
The traditional biological process mainly uses corn starch or glucose as raw materials, but the cost of sugar sources accounts for more than 40% of the overall production cost. Using agricultural by-products such as corn cobs and straw as carbon sources can effectively reduce raw material costs and achieve resource reuse.
Corn cob is rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, and monosaccharides such as xylose and glucose can be obtained through pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Through metabolic engineering modification, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, or Escherichia coli can convert it into 1,3-propanediol, achieving high yield and selectivity.
Industry data shows that using corn cob fermentation for bio based PDO can reduce production costs by about 20% -30% and carbon emissions by over 50%. This technological breakthrough significantly enhances product competitiveness and provides economic feasibility for PDO's expansion in non plastic fields such as food, medicine, and biomaterials.
3、 New opportunities in the field of food additives
For a long time, 1,3-propanediol has been mainly used as a raw material for PTT polyester, polyurethane, solvents, and cosmetics. Nowadays, with the cost reduction of the biological route and the promotion of food safety verification, its potential in the field of food additives is widely concerned.
1. Food moisturizers and solvent substitutes
1,3-Propanediol has good hygroscopicity and solubility, which can partially replace the traditional propylene glycol (1,2-PDO) as a humectant, essence solvent and thickener, and be used in beverages, baked goods and condiments. Its tasteless, low toxicity, and easily degradable characteristics are more in line with the trends of food safety and green manufacturing.
2. Natural anti-corrosion and stabilizing components
Research has shown that 1,3-propanediol can inhibit the growth of some microorganisms and improve system stability. When used in combination with organic acids and natural extracts, it can extend the shelf life of food.
3. Functional food carrier
Due to its clear metabolic pathway and safe metabolism by the human body, bio based 1,3-propanediol is being developed as a new food grade carrier for active substance encapsulation and sustained-release systems.
At present, some products have obtained FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) certification, marking the initial opening of their compliance channel into the food industry chain.
4、 Technological innovation promotes industrialization process
The competitive core of bio based PDO lies in strain efficiency and process integration. In recent years, Chinese research institutions and enterprises have made significant breakthroughs in related technologies:
Metabolic pathway optimization: By targeted modification of enzyme activity, the conversion rate of corn cob hydrolyzed sugar is increased to over 90%;
Process integration upgrade: The combination of continuous fermentation and membrane separation technology significantly improves purification efficiency and reduces energy consumption;
Intelligent manufacturing: adopting digital monitoring and automatic control system to achieve dynamic optimization and yield stability of fermentation process.
At the same time, the resource utilization of by-products has become a new highlight of industrial development. Fermentation residue can be recycled as feed or organic fertilizer, forming a circular economy model of "raw materials production reuse".
Conclusion
From innovation in renewable raw materials to cost reduction and efficiency improvement in the industrial chain, the bio based 1,3-propanediol from corn cob is reshaping the new landscape of green chemical industry.
With the gradual opening up of food grade applications and the continuous progress of biomanufacturing technology, 1,3-propanediol is expected to become an important bridge connecting biomanufacturing and the food industry, injecting new growth momentum into the green raw material system.
