Clostridium Fermentation Acetate Addition Solvent Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing isopropanol, n-butanol, and ethanol through fermentation of sugars are economically challenging due to low yields, particularly in second-generation processes utilizing lignocellulosic biomass, where optimizing sugar fermentation by microorganisms is key.
Innovation Solution
A process involving anaerobic fermentation of an aqueous solution containing C5 and/or C6 sugars and acetate by a Clostridium microorganism, with specific acetate concentration and pH ranges, to enhance the production of isopropanol and n-butanol, utilizing residual streams or hydrolysates from lignocellulosic biomass pre-treatment and fermentation steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fermentation processes are used to produce isopropanol, n-butanol and ethanol from sugars, then the process can be implemented with standard procedures, but the solvent yield remains low and economic viability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the fermentation medium composition, specifically adding acetate at controlled concentrations (0.5-10 g/L) and adjusting pH to optimal ranges (5.0-6.5). These parameter modifications significantly enhance the yield of isopropanol and n-butanol from sugar fermentation, directly resolving the low productivity issue while maintaining process feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
Acetate serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between the sugar substrate and the final solvent products. The addition of acetate to the fermentation medium acts as a catalyst or promoter that enhances the metabolic pathways of Clostridium species, leading to improved solvent production without requiring fundamental changes to the fermentation process
2Adaptability or versatility
If second-generation fermentation processes using lignocellulosic biomass are employed, then renewable resources are utilized, but the sugar fermentation yield by microorganisms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains adaptability to renewable resources by continuing to use lignocellulosic biomass-derived sugars while applying parameter changes to the fermentation medium (acetate addition, pH control) to overcome the low fermentation yield inherent in second-generation processes
Solution Approach 2:
Acetate acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the limitations of lignocellulosic sugar availability and the need for high fermentation yields, enabling efficient conversion of renewable resource sugars into valuable solvents
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process significantly increases the concentration of isopropanol and n-butanol in the fermentation mixture, improving solvent yield and integrating effectively into second-generation biofuel production processes by utilizing renewable resources efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous solution containing C5 and/or C6 sugars and acetate is fermented under anaerobic conditions in the presence of a fermenting microorganism of the genus Clostridium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a process for the production of an aqueous mixture comprising isopropanol, n-butanol and ethanol, comprising a step in which an aqueous solution containing C5 and/or C6 sugars and acetate is fermented under strict anaerobic conditions in the presence of a fermenting microorganism of the genus Clostridium and in which said aqueous solution has an acetate concentration in the range 0.5 to 10 g/L and a ratio by weight of (acetate)/(sum of C5 and/or C6 sugars) in the range 0.005 to 0.35 g/g.