1,3-Propanediol (PDO) is a valuable chemical material and the major application is to form polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), which can be used in carpets and apparels fiber instead of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The odd number (three) of carbon units gives it extraordinary properties, such as unique stretch-recovery, durability, pollution-resistance, easy dyeability and low electrostatic charging.

　　Our institute has proposed a novel flexible process for PDO production by fermentation from glycerol or glucose. 16 Patents has been filed. A pilot demonstration was accomplished in 2003 and the PDO purity reached to 99.8 %. The PTT synthesized from our PDO is well approved by Yizheng Huaxian Company, Liaoning Shihua Company, and Toyato Motor Corportaion.