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Citric acid bioproduction and downstream processing: Status, opportunities, and challenges
Sabrina Mores1, Luciana Porto de Souza Vandenberghe1, Antonio Irineudo Magalhães Júnior1
1Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology. P.O. Box 19011, ZIP Code 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Bioresource Technology
|November 29, 2020
Summary
Developing efficient downstream processes for citric acid (CA) bioproduction is crucial. Alternative methods like reactive extraction and adsorption show promise for sustainable CA recovery and purification.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Industrial Microbiology
Background:
- Citric acid (CA) is a vital organic acid produced industrially via fermentation.
- Current downstream processing, primarily precipitation, generates significant by-products requiring disposal.
- Developing more sustainable and economical CA recovery methods is a key industrial challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in citric acid bioproduction.
- To evaluate emerging downstream processing techniques for CA recovery and purification.
- To identify potential improvements and combinations of methods for industrial application.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on citric acid bioproduction and downstream processing.
- Analysis of adsorption, extraction, and membrane separation techniques.
- Assessment of reactive extraction and adsorption for industrial viability.
Main Results:
- Precipitation methods for CA recovery generate substantial waste.
- Adsorption, extraction, and membrane separation offer lower environmental impact but require further technological development.
- Reactive extraction and adsorption demonstrate significant potential for industrial-scale CA purification.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed on intrinsic factors and combinations of novel techniques for CA recovery.
- Sustainable and efficient downstream processing is essential for the economic bioproduction of citric acid.
- Emerging methods like reactive extraction and adsorption are promising for the future of CA purification.
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