Physiological predisposition of various Clostridium species to synthetize 1,3-propanediol from glycerol

► The state of the art on 1,3-propanediol production by Clostridium spp. is reviewed. ► Factors influencing the process are looked into from different perspectives. ► Impact of media components on the process is comprehensively reviewed. ► Genetic manipulation techniques and their results are presented. ► Stresses that occur during the fermentation are described.