Glycerol to 1,3-Propanediol Through Anaerobic Fermentation

1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PDO) is a common building block for some of the most widely used polymers and composite materials. It can also be used to make adhesives, sealants, laminates, coatings, paints, perfumes, fragrances, personal care products and laboratory-scale chemicals. Due to the increase in bio-diesel production, Glycerol-a byproduct of this process-is available in excess. Because of this excessive amount of Glycerol in the chemical marketplace, the price of Glycerol has subsequently dropped by a significant amount. Our senior design project evaluated the economic viability of the production of 1,3-PDO using the fermentation of Glycerol by Klebsiella pneumoniae on an industrial scale. We also looked at the environmental, and social impacts of this process.