Abstract: 3-Hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA） is a potential valuable chemical. The methods of 3-HPA preparation include ethylene oxide process，acrolein hydration and biosynthesis. With the brief introduction of properties and usages of 3-HPA，the paper presents the technological processes and research status of the chemical preparation for 3-HPA. Besides，the paper focuses on the principle，strains and process route of biosynthesis of 3-HPA. In the end，the future development of 3-HPA production is prospected.