We reviewed the fermentation for dihydroxyacetone production. Microbial fermentation is better for dihydroxyacetone production as compared to chemical methods. Gluconobacter oxydans was recognized as the most important strain for industrial production of dihydroxyacetone. The dihydroxyacetone yield is associated with many factors such as substrate, product, oxygen and biomass concentration. Repeated fed-batch fermentation and immobilization fermentation were recognized as the most potential process in various fermentation mode. Construction of recombinant microorganism and optimization of process are future directions of dihydroxyacetone production.
Dihydroxyacetone ; biosynthesis ; Fermentation ; Gluconobacter oxydans ; metabolism ; Industrial Microbiology

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common, acquired, progressive depigmenting disorder. It is not physically destructive, however often leaves patients visibly disfigured by uneven color of the exposed areas such as the face or hands, especially in colored races. Most treatment protocols for vitiligo usually require a long treatment duration and do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, cosmetically-acceptable and easily-usable alternatives are needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) solution for Korean vitiligo patients. METHODS: Thirty eight patients were treated with DHA, who suffered from vitiligo affecting the face, hands, trunk and thighs. They were instructed to apply DHA once every other day. Thereafter, the number of applications and intervals were adjusted according to the status of coloring. We surveyed the grade of subjective satisfaction, and also measured the L*, a* and b* values of normal skin, vitiligo lesion, DHA-applied site (n=10) and autologous suction blister graft site (n=6) and compared color difference between those areas using the Minolta Chromoameter gap (Minolta, Ramsey, New Jersey, USA). RESULTS: The characteristic pigmentation showed an acceptable cosmetic improvement in 27 of the 38 patients after 4-6 weeks of treatment. L* value was improved after DHA application, while a* and b* values showed more discrepancy than normal skin color. As a whole, the color difference between normal skin and vitiligo lesion was decreased after DHA application. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that DHA could be used for Korean vitiligo patients as an additional option for cosmetic correction.
Blister ; Clinical Protocols ; Continental Population Groups ; Dihydroxyacetone* ; Hand ; Humans ; New Jersey ; Pigmentation ; Skin ; Suction ; Thigh ; Transplants ; Vitiligo*

1,3-Dihydroxyacetone is widely used in cosmetics, medicines and food products. We reviewed the recent progress in metabolic pathways, key enzymes, as well as metabolic engineering for microbial production of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone. We addressed the research trend to increase yield of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone by improving the activity of glycerol dehydrogenase with genetic engineering, and regulating of fermentation process based on metabolic characteristic of the strain.
Dihydroxyacetone ; biosynthesis ; Fermentation ; Genetic Engineering ; methods ; Gluconobacter oxydans ; genetics ; metabolism ; Industrial Microbiology ; methods ; Metabolic Engineering ; methods ; Sugar Alcohol Dehydrogenases ; metabolism