Tandem transformation of glycerol to esters

► We have shown feasibility of a tandem fermentation-enzymatic conversion process. ► We optimized continuous fermentation to high 1,3-propane diol productivity. ► We demonstrated stability of enzyme in the tandem process in repeated experiments. ► The reactor performance was shown to be comparable to batch reactions, but offer processing advantages due to the use of an immobilized enzyme. ► Fermentation was shown to proceed with waste glycerol from biodiesel production, but requiring removal of free fatty acids.