2,3-butanediol catabolism in Bacillus licheniformis

Bacillus licheniformis, a generally regarded as safe (GRAS) microorganism, is extensively utilized in various industries. This bacterium is notable for its ability to metabolize a wide array of carbon substrates, with 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) being a primary product from glucose metabolism. This compound has significant applications in various industry. Upon glucose depletion, B. licheniformis continues to grow using 2,3-BD. However, the key genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in this catabolic pathway, particularly its interaction with central metabolism, remain largely unexplored. We aim to analyze the 2,3-BD catabolic pathway.