Bioseparation of 1,3-propanediol

Bioseparation of 1,3-propanediol is a biochemical process for production of 1,3-propanediol. 1,3-Propanediol (hence referred to here as "PDO") is an organic compound that can be used for various ends. In particular, PDO is polymerized with terephthalic acid to make poly(trimethylene teraphthalate) (hence referred to here as "PTT"), a polyester that has end-uses such as clothing, fibers, automobile lining, and carpeting.

Conventionally, PDO is produced from crude oil products such as propylene or ethylene oxide. In recent years, however, companies such as DuPont are investing in the biological production of PDO using renewable feedstocks such as corn.