BIO-SUCCINIC ACID: AN ENVIRONMENTFRIENDLY PLATFORM CHEMICAL

Abstract

Global research for biomass-based products is swelling gradually due to depletion of fossil-based raw material as well as their negative effects on the environment. The hazardous chemical processes used for production of valuable industrial chemicals are directly responsible for environmental pollution. Therefore, use of alternative renewable resources as feedstock to produce such chemicals is gaining popularity. Succinic acid (SA) is platform chemical which can be used to produce bulk industrial chemicals with huge global demand such as adipic acid, 1,4-butandiol, maleic anhydride. Non-hazardous biological fermentation process can be used to produce succinic acid, which can be further converted to these chemicals. The bio-based approach uses CO 2 as supplement during the process and it replaces fossil-based raw materials; therefore, it is environment friendly. Mostly, pure sugars or sugars derived from crop residues or lignocellulosic materials are used to produce succinic acid. However, utilization of agricultural waste aromatic compounds to produce succinic acid has not been investigated in detail and not being implemented anywhere. Lignin waste management is a problem for the cellulosic bio-refineries and finding the way for its biological utilization is still in the stage of research and development. Unlike sugar metabolism, bioconversion of aromatic compounds is relatively complicated. Interestingly, bioconversion of agricultural waste aromatic compounds could be targeted towards production of succinic acid. The purpose of the present review is to highlight this possibility.