CRAG researchers improve itaconic acid through synthetic biology

In Spain, researchers at the Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), in collaboration with researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology in Korea, have recently published a work in Nature Communications journal revealing a new strategy to improve itaconic acid production through synthetic biology technology. Itaconic acid is used as a raw material for manufacturing cosmetics and antibacterial agents, as well as various plastics including biodegradable polymers. Despite such high potential, its use is limited by insufficient production technologies and high production costs. This novel discovery demonstrates the potential and wide applicability of synthetic biology tools to produce itaconic acid in a more efficient manner.