Separation of Biomass Fermentation Products

In the process of biomass conversion, the separation of fermentation products is a very important part. After pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, the composition of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in biomass is very complex, usually composed of energy substances such as methanol and ethanol, and lignin monomers and oligomers. Matexcel provides one-stop services to help customers establish and achieve high-yield recovery of target products.

Overview of Biomass Fermentation Products Separation

Biomass fermentation is a widely used process for the production of valuable biofuels and biochemicals. However, the separation of these products from the fermentation broth poses a significant challenge due to their dilute nature and complex composition. Matexcel, as a leading player in the industry, aims to contribute to the advancement of this field and provide innovative solutions for biomass fermentation products separation.

• Gas Stripping: An Effective Approach

Gas stripping has emerged as a simple yet effective approach for the removal of product inhibition from biomass fermentation. The principle behind gas stripping involves the use of a carrier gas, such as the fermentation off-gas (CO2 and H2) or an inert gas, to extract the desired products from the fermentation broth. Several researchers have studied the application of gas stripping for the removal of butanol from biomass fermentation broth. By integrating gas stripping into the fermentation system, in situ recovery of the biomass fermentation products can be achieved, enhancing overall process efficiency.

• Liquid-Liquid Extraction: Separating Valuable Components

Liquid-liquid extraction is another promising method for the separation of biomass fermentation products. This approach utilizes the differences in solubility and partitioning of the target products between two immiscible liquid phases. Various extraction solvents, such as oleyl alcohol, n-dodecanol, and butyl acetate, have been investigated for the extraction of ethanol and butanol from aqueous solutions. By carefully selecting the extraction solvent and optimizing process conditions, high product purity can be achieved, facilitating further downstream processing.

• Membrane Technologies: Pervaporation and Beyond

Membrane technologies, including pervaporation, offer great potential for the separation and purification of biomass fermentation products. Pervaporation involves the use of a selective membrane to preferentially transport one component over another, based on differences in permeability. Researchers have explored the use of pervaporation for the separation of ethanol and butanol from fermentation broths, with promising results. Additionally, other membrane technologies such as membrane distillation, thermopervaporation, and reverse osmosis have also shown potential in biomass fermentation products separation.

• Adsorption: Capturing Valuable Molecules

Adsorption is a commonly employed method for the separation and purification of biomass fermentation products. It relies on the preferential adsorption of the desired molecules onto a solid adsorbent material. This technique has been successfully applied for the separation of butanol from fermentation broths. By selecting suitable adsorbents and optimizing process conditions, high selectivity and recovery can be achieved, enabling the efficient capture of valuable biomass fermentation products.

• Integrated Fermentation-Separation Processes: Maximizing Efficiency

To enhance substrate utilization and increase the overall productivity of biomass fermentation, researchers have explored integrated fermentation-separation processes. These processes aim to simultaneously remove the desired products from the fermentation broth, reducing product inhibition and improving fermentation performance. Gas stripping, liquid-liquid extraction, membrane technologies, and adsorption can be integrated into the fermentation system, allowing for in situ product recovery and concentration. By combining these techniques, the overall production cost can be reduced, making biomass fermentation a more economically viable option.

Fig 1. Flowchart of proposed integrated membrane–based technique for succinic acid recovery (Olawumi OS, et al., 2021)

Our Services

• Customized biomass fermentation products separation services
• Expertise in upstream and downstream process development
• Access to large-scale industrial fermentation tanks
• Quality-by-Design (QbD) and process analytical techniques (PAT)
• Strict aseptic verification procedures
• Environmental protection measures and skills

Our Advantages

At Matexcel, we take pride in offering top-notch biomass fermentation products separation services to biology experts and industry professionals. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we aim to provide customized solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Here are the advantages of choosing our biomass fermentation products separation services:

Matexcel is your trusted partner, contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and let us provide you with tailored solutions that meet your needs with utmost efficiency and reliability.

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