Production of succinic acid from sucrose and sugarcane molasses by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli

► Sucrose-utilizing genes were expressed in Escherichia coli to enhance succinate production. ► The strain produced succinate from sucrose exceeding titers of other biocatalysts. ► We used mineral salt medium to produce succinate under simple anaerobic conditions. ► The fermentation conditions are expected to lower cost of succinate production. ► The costs of downstream processing and waste disposal would be also decreased.