A patent survey on the biotechnological production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA): Current trends and challenges

The production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as a biobased commodity chemical has gained great importance over the last years. The possibility of replacing conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based plastics by polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is accelerating applied research in the direction of novel and highly productive synthesis routes to FDCA. This paper explores the patent activities related to FDCA production, with particular emphasis on the potential role that enzymatic catalytic methods may have. An increasing number of patent applications (and granted ones) have been disclosed over the last decade. The innovation is set on the development of multi-step catalytic processes, involving multi-enzymatic and chemoenzymatic cascades, or using whole-cells, either as resting (non-growing) biocatalysts or as living organisms in fermentative processes. Moreover, other innovative paths use substrates different from fructose and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), such as gluconic acid, or furfural. Overall, opportunities for innovation exist, albeit current production metrics in biotechnological methods remain mostly at the proof-of-concept level. Large development efforts to reach industrial targets are needed, which may be stimulated by the less severe processing conditions expected for biotechnology, leading to energy savings, less by-product formation, and to the valorization of crude effluents.