Sustainable Microbial Conversion of Glycerol to 1,2-Propanediol by Brucella oryzae: Advancing Bio-Based Chemical Synthesis

Abstract 1,2-Propanediol (1,2-PD) is a valuable industrial chemical and a potential biofuel. It has attracted significant interest due to its wide range of pharmaceutical and industrial applications. The industrial-scale production of 1,2-PD by wild bacterial strains is restricted by low concentrations and the increased time the bacterium takes to reach maximum concentration. In the present study, Brucella oryzae isolated from chicken manure-contaminated soil samples efficiently converted glycerol to 1,2-PD. This isolated strain, the first-ever bacterium from the Brucella genus to produce 1,2-PD, is significant. The time-dependent growth analysis revealed the maximum 1,2-PD production at 72 h. Further, the growth and 1,2-PD production at various concentrations of glycerol (carbon source) and ammonium sulphate (nitrogen source) was investigated, producing a maximum concentration of 50.19 g/L. The production of 1,2-PD by Brucella oryzae within 72 h of growth in the production media was not reported, further highlighting its novelty. This is the first study on 1,2-PD production using Brucella oryzae , demonstrating its potential as a natural producer of 1,2-PD. Graphical Abstract