Biotechnology-based Butadiene Manufacturing Challenges for Sustainable Synthetic Rubber Materials

Abstract

Corporate activities toward carbon neutrality are becoming active. Chemical material manufacturers are required to manufacture chemical materials that do not depend on fossil resources. Among them, we are conducting research on butadiene production using biotechnology from biomass resources. By estimating the metabolic pathway, we found a unique butadiene metabolic pathway. Furthermore, by introducing a metabolic pathway into Escherichia coli, modifying the enzyme, and examining the culture conditions, 2.1 g/L butadiene production was achieved. Polymerization was carried out using this to obtain a polymer sample. In the future, we will work to further improve productivity and reduce costs for practical use.