Microbial production of hyaluronic acid: the case of an emergent technology in the bioeconomy

In 1988 a novel fermentation route to high molecular weight hyaluronan mediated by Streptococcus zooepidemicus was first reported. In a few years, following rapidly expanding demand for hyaluronan as a key ingredient of facial dermal fillers, streptococcal production was commercialized, first in Western Europe and North America, and subsequently in China. Outlining the case for the microbial production of hyaluronan, an emergent technology in the bioeconomy, the purpose of this study is to further advance the field of sustainable, high-added-value, biobased production. The study recounts how this bioproduction actually developed, its advantages, and its current limitations. The research and educational outcomes of the study offer useful lessons to bioeconomy scholars and practitioners. © 2021 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.