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Culturing Lymphocytes in Simulated Microgravity Using a Rotary Cell Culture System

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Ageing vessel configuration for continuous redox potential-controlled very-high-gravity fermentation.

Chen-Guang Liu¹, Yen-Han Lin, Feng-Wu Bai

¹Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Lingung Road, Dalian, Liaoning 111600, China.

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering

|September 30, 2010

Summary

A new continuous redox potential-controlled fermentation method improves glucose uptake for zero discharge. This advanced process enhances yeast viability and ethanol production compared to traditional batch methods.

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Area of Science:

Biochemical Engineering
Industrial Biotechnology
Fermentation Technology

Background:

Continuous very-high-gravity (VHG) fermentation faces challenges with glucose uptake, leading to effluent discharge.
Ineffective glucose utilization hinders the goal of zero discharge in industrial fermentation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose and design a continuous redox potential-controlled fermentation configuration to enhance glucose utilization.
To establish design criteria and operational guidelines for the proposed continuous fermentation system.
To compare the performance of the continuous configuration against traditional batch fermentation for ethanol production.

Main Methods:

A continuous redox potential-controlled fermentation system was designed, integrating a Chemostat vessel with two parallel ageing vessels.
Redox potential control was applied to the Chemostat to maintain yeast viability.
Ageing vessels were operated alternatively to ensure complete glucose utilization before discharge.

Main Results:

The proposed configuration demonstrated improved glucose uptake, facilitating near-zero discharge.
Design criteria for ageing vessel size, dilution rate, and filling time were specified.
The continuous system outperformed batch fermentation, yielding an excess of 1142 tons of ethanol in a simulated bio-ethanol plant scenario.

Conclusions:

Continuous redox potential-controlled fermentation is an effective strategy to overcome glucose uptake limitations in VHG fermentation.
The developed configuration offers a viable alternative to batch fermentation, significantly increasing ethanol yield and process efficiency.
The study provides a practical framework for implementing continuous fermentation for sustainable bio-ethanol production.