A proposed biparticle fluidized-bed for lactic acid fermentation and simultaneous adsorption.

Area of Science:

• Biochemical Engineering
• Bioprocess Technology
• Separation Science

Background:

• Traditional fermentation processes often require separate downstream separation steps, increasing complexity and cost.
• Simultaneous fermentation and separation can improve product yields and process economics.
• Fluidized bed bioreactors offer potential for integrated bioprocessing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel bioreactor configuration for simultaneous fermentation and product separation.
• To investigate the hydrodynamics and particle separation within a columnar fluidized bed system.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of adsorbent addition for product absorption and process control.

Main Methods:

• Design of a columnar fluidized bed bioreactor with immobilized microorganisms.
• Introduction of denser adsorbent particles for in-situ product absorption.
• Experimental validation of system hydrodynamics and particle separability using gel beads.
• Application of activated carbon adsorbent in Lactobacillus delbreuckii fermentation to absorb lactic acid.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of simultaneous fermentation and separation in the proposed bioreactor.
• Confirmation of system hydrodynamics and effective separability of gel beads and adsorbent particles.
• Activated carbon effectively absorbed lactic acid during Lactobacillus delbreuckii fermentation.
• Adsorbent addition led to enhanced fermentation performance and improved pH control.

Conclusions:

• The proposed bioreactor configuration enables efficient simultaneous fermentation and product separation.
• The system's hydrodynamics and particle separation are suitable for integrated bioprocessing.
• In-situ product absorption using falling adsorbent particles is a viable strategy to enhance fermentation and control process parameters.