Microbial production of diols as platform chemicals: Recent progresses

► Microbial production of 1,3-propanediol from glucose is a major achievement of industrial biotechnology. ► Raw glycerol as a by-product of biofuel production is attractive for production of diol. ► The use of raw glycerol for the bioproduction of 1,3-propanediol is technically feasible and economically competitive. ► Unsterile or mixed culture fermentation of glycerol can significantly reduce the investment and operation costs for microbial 1,3-propanediol. ► The concentration and yield of 2,3-buatnediol from biomass have been significantly improved in the last years.