Production of 1,4‐Butanediol from Succinic Acid Using Escherichia Coli Whole‐Cell Catalysis

The widespread attention towards 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as a key chemical raw material stems from its potential in producing biodegradable plastics. However, the efficiency of its biosynthesis via current bioprocesses is limited. In this study, a dual-pathway approach for 1,4-BDO production from succinic acid was developed. Specifically, a double-enzyme catalytic pathway involving carboxylic acid reductase and ethanol dehydrogenase was proposed. Optimization of the expression levels of the pathway enzymes led to a significant 318 % increase in 1,4-BDO titer. Additionally, the rate-limiting enzyme MmCAR was engineered to enhance the k