Recent advances in applications and biosynthetic production of myo-inositol:A review

  • ZHANG Jinbo ,
  • ZHAO Yang ,
  • DUAN Xuguo
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  • 1(National Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources, Nanjing 210037, China)
    2(College of Light Industry and Food, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

Received date: 2025-07-23

  Revised date: 2025-09-28

  Online published: 2026-06-03

Abstract

Myo-inositol, a vital bioactive compound, has extensive applications in fields such as in pharmaceuticals, nutrition, animal feed and cosmetics.Current manufacturing routes comprise chemical synthesis, acid hydrolysis, in vitro enzymatic conversion and microbial fermentation.These approaches are systematically compared across key parameters, including conversion pathways, efficiency, environmental impact, and industrialization potential.Chemical synthesis and hydrolysis, while established, often yield low-purity products and involve complex procedures with high costs and limited efficiency, along with environmental concerns.Emerging biotechnological methods, particularly in vitro enzymatic catalysis and microbial fermentation, offer promising alternatives.In vitro enzymatic conversion employs specific enzymes for high-specificity and controllable conversion of various substrates into myo-inositol, improving purity and efficiency.Microbial fermentation utilizes microorganisms for diverse raw material conversion under mild conditions with minimal environmental impact.However, challenges remain for biotechnological methods, including enzyme stability, cost reduction, and strain optimization.Nevertheless, the development of artificial intelligence offers new opportunities for advancing these methods.Furthermore, research on rare inositol isomers with therapeutic potential presents new opportunities.Continuous optimization of biotechnological processes will drive the industrialization of myo-inositol and its derivatives, meeting the growing global demand for this essential compound.These insights provide theoretical support and guide future research towards sustainable, large-scale, and cost-effective myo-inositol production strategies, thereby advancing green biotechnology applications.

Cite this article

ZHANG Jinbo , ZHAO Yang , DUAN Xuguo . Recent advances in applications and biosynthetic production of myo-inositol:A review[J]. Food and Fermentation Industries, 2026 , 52(9) : 359 -368 . DOI: 10.13995/j.cnki.11-1802/ts.044011

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