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Sucrose conversion by immobilized invertase in a multiple air-lift loop bioreactor
W A Bakker1, J T Knitel, J Tramper
1Department of Food Science, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands.
Biotechnology Progress
|May 1, 1994
Summary
A novel multiple air-lift loop reactor (MAL) design enhances bioprocess efficiency. This bioreactor series within a single vessel approaches plug flow, improving substrate conversion compared to traditional single reactors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemical Engineering
- Chemical Reaction Engineering
Background:
- Traditional bioreactors often exhibit non-ideal flow patterns, limiting efficiency.
- Optimizing bioreactor design is crucial for enhancing biocatalytic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a novel bioreactor: the multiple air-lift loop reactor (MAL).
- Evaluate the performance of the MAL for immobilized enzyme catalysis.
- Demonstrate the advantages of the MAL in approximating plug flow behavior.
Main Methods:
- Residence time distribution studies to characterize flow patterns.
- Continuous operation of a three-compartment MAL with immobilized invertase.
- Comparison of substrate conversion in MAL versus single vessel reactors.
- Experimental determination of intrinsic kinetic parameters for model calculations.
Main Results:
- The three-compartment MAL effectively mimics a series of ideal mixers.
- MAL demonstrated improved substrate conversion compared to a single vessel at equivalent dilution rates.
- Model calculations accurately predicted experimental results, incorporating mass transfer and reaction kinetics.
Conclusions:
- The multiple air-lift loop reactor (MAL) offers a viable approach to achieve plug flow characteristics in a single vessel.
- MAL design enhances biocatalytic process efficiency through improved flow behavior.
- The developed model accurately predicts MAL performance, aiding in process optimization.