Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Bioreactor Assembly for Continuous Culture of Complex Fecal Communities
Published on: April 25, 2025
Continuos IBE fermentation by immobilized growing Clostridium beijerinckii cells in a stirred-tank fermentor
P G Krouwel1, W J Groot, N W Kossen
1Biotechnology Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 9, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The potential of continuous isopropanol-butanol-ethanol (IBE) fermentation by Ca-alginate-immobilized Clostridium beijerinckii cells in a continuous stirred-tank reactor is investigated. A mathematical model is presented to describe steady-state reactor performance. It appeared to be possible to use the biocatalyst particles repeatedly for successive fermentations (at least three times for a total duration of two months). Reactor productivity was 6-16 times higher than that of a batch fermentation (free cells), while the solvents yield was also increased. Measurements of substrate, product, and biomass concentrations were only partially in agreement with the model; however, a solid basis for further technological developement of the process has been laid.
Related Concept Videos
Batch vs Continuous Culture
Production of Alcohol
Scale-Up Processes
Bioreactor Controls-II
Bioreactor Design and Operational System
Production of Antibiotics

