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Pressure fermentation to boost CO2-based poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production using Cupriavidus necator
Elodie Vlaeminck1, Pedro Acuña Lopez1, Evelien Uitterhaegen2
1Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium.
Pressure fermentation significantly boosts carbon-neutral bioplastic (polyhydroxybutyrate/PHB) production using Cupriavidus necator. This method enhances gas-to-liquid mass transfer and ensures safety, increasing PHB yields substantially.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and industrial microbiology
- Polymer science and engineering
- Sustainable materials development
Background:
- Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable bioplastic produced via bacterial fermentation.
- Chemolithoautotrophic fermentation using Cupriavidus necator offers a carbon-neutral route to PHB.
- Current limitations include gas mixture explosivity and low gas-to-liquid mass transfer rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the application of pressure fermentation for enhanced CO2-based PHB production.
- To overcome safety concerns associated with explosive gas mixtures in fermentation.
- To improve gas-to-liquid mass transfer for increased bioplastic yield.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Cupriavidus necator for chemolithoautotrophic fermentation of CO2, H2, and O2.
- Implementing pressure fermentation in state-of-the-art bioreactors.
- Operating under controlled, limiting O2 concentrations to ensure safety.
Main Results:
- PHB production increased from 10.8 g/L at 1.5 bar to 29.6 g/L at 3 bar.
- Pressure fermentation prolonged bacterial exponential growth phases.
- Production gains correlated with theoretical calculations up to 3 bar.
Conclusions:
- Pressure fermentation is a viable strategy to enhance CO2-based PHB production.
- This method improves yields and maintains safe operating conditions.
- Further optimization may be needed for pressures above 3 bar.
