The current strategies and parameters for the enhanced microbial production of 2,3-butanediol.

•2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD) is a propitious compound with many industrial uses.•2,3-BD production has always been hampered by low fermentation yields and high production costs.•2,3-BD production may be enhanced by optimization of culture conditions and use of high-producing strains.•Metabolic engineering tools are currently used to generate high-yielding strains.