Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of a cost-effective biobased method for producing 3-hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP) using genetically engineered microorganisms, highlighting its commercial potential and environmental benefits [2][3][5]. Group 1: Research and Development - Scientists from the University of Illinois and Penn State University have cultivated a high-yield strain of Issatchenkia orientalis for 3-HP production, confirming its commercial viability through technical economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) [3][5]. - The research team identified the β-alanine metabolic pathway as the optimal choice for maximizing 3-HP yield, with the lowest oxygen demand [5][6]. - The team achieved a 3-HP production yield of 29 g/L in shake flask fermentation and 92 g/L in fed-batch fermentation, surpassing previous commercial viability thresholds [6][8]. Group 2: Economic and Environmental Impact - The commercial potential of 3-HP is significant, with the acrylic acid market valued at approximately $20 billion and a global demand of about 6.6 million tons in 2019 [4]. - The estimated minimum product selling price (MPSP) for acrylic acid produced from pure glucose is $1.36/kg, which can be reduced to $1.13/kg when integrating the entire production chain with on-site corn dry milling [8]. - The carbon intensity of the corn-based route is 3.26 kg CO₂ equivalent/kg acrylic acid, which is lower than fossil-based acrylic acid in 98.5% of simulated scenarios [8][20]. Group 3: Future Directions - The research team plans to scale up the process, refine downstream operations, and incorporate other renewable feedstocks to enhance overall economic viability [9]. - CABBI researchers are exploring additional applications for 3-HP, such as its conversion into maleic acid and other high-value chemicals for use in vitamins, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable plastics, and agricultural chemicals [9].