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Downstream processing of biotechnological produced succinic acid
Ke-Ke Cheng1, Xue-Bing Zhao, Jing Zeng
1Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|June 19, 2012
Summary
Separating biologically produced succinic acid from fermentation broth is costly. This review covers current recovery methods, highlighting the need for improved efficiency, yield, and purity in succinic acid purification.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Separation Science
Background:
- Succinic acid is a valuable bio-based chemical with diverse applications.
- Microbial production of succinic acid is hindered by high separation costs, accounting for over 50% of total production expenses.
- Efficient recovery and purification of succinic acid are critical for its economic viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize existing methods for recovering and purifying biologically produced succinic acid.
- To identify limitations and areas for improvement in current succinic acid separation technologies.
- To highlight future research directions for cost-effective succinic acid production.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on succinic acid separation techniques.
- Analysis of methods including direct crystallization, precipitation, membrane separation, extraction, and chromatography.
- Evaluation of in situ separation strategies for succinic acid recovery.
Main Results:
- No single method currently offers a simple and efficient solution for succinic acid separation.
- Existing methods face challenges in achieving high yield, purity, and energy efficiency.
- Significant improvements are needed across various separation techniques for succinic acid.
Conclusions:
- Current succinic acid separation technologies require substantial advancements.
- Integrated approaches, including upstream process optimization and in situ product removal, are promising.
- Future research should focus on biorefining strategies and advanced separation technologies for sustainable succinic acid production.
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