Invention Reference Number
To meet the growing need for cost-effective industrial chemicals, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a method to enable a cellulose-degrading microorganism to produce 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), a valuable precursor for plastics, fuels, and other materials. This advancement allows direct conversion of plant biomass into 2,3-BDO, reducing reliance on fossil feedstocks and supporting biomanufacturing.
Description
2,3-Butanediol is an important industrial compound used in the production of polymers, synthetic rubber, and specialty chemicals. Conventional microbial production methods often rely on expensive sugar feedstocks, limiting economic viability. ORNL researchers have engineered a thermophilic, cellulose-degrading bacterium to convert lignocellulosic biomass directly into 2,3-butanediol. By incorporating select biosynthetic pathways from related microorganisms capable of producing the compound at elevated temperatures, the modified strain can efficiently ferment plant-derived carbohydrates under thermophilic conditions. This approach leverages the organism’s natural ability to digest cellulose, offering an integrated process that minimizes preprocessing requirements. The technology enables a more cost-effective route for bio-based 2,3-butanediol production.
Benefits
- Converts renewable plant biomass directly into value-added chemicals
- Reduces production costs by eliminating expensive feedstocks
- Operates under thermophilic conditions suitable for industrial scalability
Applications and Industries
- Bio-based chemical and materials manufacturing
- Fuel and polymer production
- Agricultural and pharmaceutical intermediates
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
