Prospecting technology and economic potential to produce bio-succinic acid: a review

Succinic acid (SA) is an organic acid and a key building block with various synthetic applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Currently produced through petrochemical routes, the use of microorganisms to produce it from biomass waste offers a renewable and sustainable alternative. This study evaluates the main technologies for producing succinic acid via biotechnological routes (BioSA) and its market potential, aiming for commercial production. Research highlights BioSA’s competitive edge and significant capacity to synthesize high-value products, such as 1,4-butanediol and polybutylene succinate (PBS), offering a viable alternative to fossil-derived maleic anhydride. Among BioSA-producing microorganisms, Escherichia coli and Actinobacillus succinogenes are the most promising, achieving titers of 1.10 and 1.23 gg^-1, respectively, and yields of 127.1 and 83.7 gL^-1 under anaerobic conditions at low pH, with genetic modifications to maximize productivity. The market is expected to grow at an annual rate of up to 6.7 % through 2032.