Biofilm-based immobilisation of strains for the production of succinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass sugars

Project lead

Yongqiang Liu

Institute

University of Southampton

Summary:

Lignocellulosic biomass, which includes non-food plant materials such as wood, grass, agricultural residues and some biowaste, is the most abundant and renewable source of sugars. However, harnessing lignocellulosic biomass for industrial fermentation remains challenging.

This project is dedicated to advancing sustainable succinic acid (SA) production from biomass through fermentation by developing an innovative biofilm-based technology. SA is a crucial building-block chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. The project employs a novel method where specific microbial strains are immobilized in biofilms, overcoming the drawbacks of conventional immobilisation methods such as complexity, high costs, and reduced microbial sugar uptake and activity. The project merges two major needs, utilising sugar-rich hydrolysates from lignocellulosic biomass and direct CO2 fixation via SA metabolic pathways with the innovative development of biofilm-based immobilisation techniques for SA production. This method improves the economic feasibility of bio-based SA production and diminishes environmental impacts. In addition, it offers the potential for integrating SA production into anaerobic digestion plants for biogas upgrading to methane. The project promotes greener and more sustainable industrial biotechnology (IB).

Situated within the scope of IB, our project aligns with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council criteria for Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy funding. It exemplifies the core goals of IB by integrating biological systems and advanced engineering to convert renewable resources into high-value chemicals, thus supporting the transition towards a bio-based economy and enhancing the UK’s capabilities in sustainable industrial practices.

This project is ongoing and an update on the outcomes and impact will be published on completion.

Academic partners: Yongqiang Liu, University of Southampton

Industrial partners: Nick Thompson, Fiberight Ltd.