Core Insights - Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is essential for human health, playing a critical role in nerve function and preventing pernicious anemia. It is used in the treatment of various diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage, Alzheimer's disease, and acute myelitis. The market demand for Vitamin B12 supplements is increasing due to rising health awareness among consumers. The market size of the cobalamin industry in China is projected to reach 1.4 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 6% [1][10]. Industry Overview - Cobalamin, or Vitamin B12, is the only vitamin that contains a metal element. It is a red crystalline powder that is water-soluble and plays multiple indispensable roles in the human body, including maintaining a healthy nervous system and promoting red blood cell production [3][10]. - The primary sources of Vitamin B12 are animal products, with some plant sources like soybeans containing lower amounts. The vitamin is crucial for protein and amino acid synthesis, especially in infants [3]. Market Dynamics - China is a major supplier of Vitamin B12 globally, with significant export volumes. The export quantity of unblended Vitamin B12 and its derivatives is expected to grow from 355.08 tons in 2020 to 498.08 tons by 2024 [10]. - The competition in the cobalamin market is intensifying due to limited market size and high domestic production capacity. Major players include Hebei Huaron, Yuxing Bio, Ningxia Jinyi, and Jiutian Pharmaceutical [10][11]. Production Methods - The cobalamin industry primarily utilizes microbial fermentation methods for production, as chemical synthesis is complex and costly. The fermentation process mainly involves anaerobic fermentation using Propionibacterium and aerobic fermentation using Pseudomonas [8]. Industry Trends - The cobalamin industry is expected to see continuous technological innovation, focusing on refining extraction methods and enhancing product stability. The use of biotechnological advancements will likely lead to higher activity and lower impurity levels in cobalamin products [12]. - There is a trend towards high-end and diversified product offerings to meet varying consumer needs, including specialized products for anemia treatment and a wider range of dosage forms [13]. - The industry is moving towards environmentally sustainable practices, including green sourcing of raw materials and energy-efficient extraction processes [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in the production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) using engineered strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlighting significant improvements in yield and efficiency through metabolic engineering and strain evolution [2][20][23]. Summary by Sections 1. Production Methodology - 1,3-PDO is a high-value fine chemical used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, traditionally produced through chemical synthesis, which involves toxic substances and high pressure. Microbial fermentation has emerged as a more economical and environmentally friendly production method [2]. - The research team led by Professor Liu Liming achieved a production yield of 138.6 g/L of 1,3-PDO using the engineered strain FMME-51, with a conversion rate of 0.52 g/g, without the need for additional VB12 [2][20]. 2. Strain Optimization - Initial strain FMME-01 produced 67.2 g/L of 1,3-PDO but generated multiple by-products that reduced yield. Subsequent modifications led to strain FMME-14, which showed improved production performance [6]. - Further optimization of the cell membrane composition in strain FMME-38 resulted in a 62.5% increase in tolerance to high 1,3-PDO concentrations and a 41.2% reduction in cell death [9][10]. 3. Enhancements in Co-Factor Synthesis - The production process relies on VB12 and NADH. The integration of genes responsible for VB12 synthesis into the genome of strain FMME-48 resulted in a VB12 concentration of 50.8 μg/L and a 1,3-PDO yield of 118.3 g/L [14]. - The dynamic regulation of NADH levels was achieved through the construction of a biosensor-based system, enhancing the NADH/NAD⁺ ratio by 31.3% in strain FMME-51, leading to a 12.3% increase in 1,3-PDO yield [18][14]. 4. Process Optimization - The optimization of glycerol feeding rates and pH levels significantly improved the production performance of strain FMME-51, achieving a 1,3-PDO yield of 135.9 g/L at a pH of 6.8 [19]. - The final optimized strain FMME-51 demonstrated a production capacity of 122.7 g/L of 1,3-PDO using low-cost crude glycerol as a substrate, showcasing its industrial potential [20][23]. 5. Industrial Implications - The research indicates a significant advancement in the bioproduction of 1,3-PDO, achieving unprecedented yields and efficiencies while eliminating the need for expensive co-factors, thus reducing production costs [20][23]. - The ability of engineered strain FMME-51 to efficiently utilize crude glycerol highlights its potential for large-scale industrial applications in the production of high-value chemicals [23].