New publication highlights VIVALDI results on methanol-based succinic acid production

A new open-access scientific publication demonstrates that results generated within the VIVALDI project continue to advance sustainable biotechnology.

The study, authored by Simone Bachleitner, Lisa Lutz, Gregor Lutz and Diethard Mattanovich (BOKU University), is titled “Bioconversion of the C1 substrate methanol to succinic acid with engineered Komagataella phaffii.” It presents an innovative approach to producing succinic acid, a key platform chemical, using methanol as a feedstock.

Methanol is considered a promising carbon-neutral C1 substrate, as it can be derived from CO₂. In this work, the researchers engineered the methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii to efficiently convert methanol into succinic acid, achieving titers exceeding 100 g/L.

A central challenge addressed in the study was the role of cellular transport systems, which initially redirected metabolic intermediates (such as malic and fumaric acid) away from the desired product. By carefully balancing pathway enzyme expression with transport mechanisms, the team was able to overcome this limitation and significantly improve product yield.

The findings establish K. phaffii as a promising host for C1-based bioproduction and underline the potential of methanol as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and sugar-based feedstocks.

This publication illustrates the continued scientific impact of the VIVALDI project and its contribution to the development of innovative, circular bio-based processes.

Read the full study here.