Fermentation Broth Phase Separation for Hydrophobic Compound Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing hydrophobic compounds like insect pheromones in fermentation processes face challenges such as limited secretion, retention within cells, and complex recovery processes due to the hydrophobic nature of these compounds, requiring multiple organic solvents and additional steps like cellular lysis.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant at concentrations equal to or greater than its cloud concentration in the culture medium to facilitate the recovery and increase the secretion and titer of hydrophobic compounds like fatty alcohols, fatty esters, and terpenes during fermentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fermentation methods are used for producing hydrophobic compounds, then the compounds are produced within cells, but the compounds are retained intracellularly requiring cellular lysis for recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydrophobic compound from the intracellular environment by introducing an immiscible organic solvent phase into the fermentation broth. The compound is taken out of the cells and transferred to the organic phase, eliminating the need for cellular lysis and simplifying recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an immiscible organic solvent as an intermediary medium to facilitate compound transfer from the aqueous fermentation broth to a recoverable phase. This intermediary enables direct in-process extraction without requiring cell disruption.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple organic solvents are used for recovery of hydrophobic compounds, then the compounds can be extracted, but the process requires multiple extraction steps and solvent removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction and concentration steps by using an immiscible organic solvent that automatically phaseseparates from the aqueous broth. The compound transfers directly to the organic phase during fermentation, combining extraction, concentration, and separation into a single integrated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fermentation broth into two immiscible phases (aqueous and organic), allowing the hydrophobic compound to partition into the organic phase. This phase separation creates a distinct recoverable layer that can be easily separated without multiple extraction steps.
3Productivity
If conventional fermentation is used without phase separation, then the fermentation broth remains homogeneous, but the hydrophobic compound recovery is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent induces a phase transition in the fermentation broth by introducing an immiscible organic solvent. The system transitions from a homogeneous aqueous phase to a biphasic system, allowing the hydrophobic compound to partition into the organic phase and enabling simple phase separation for recovery.
4Quantity of substance
If hydrophobic compounds are produced in conventional fermentation, then the compounds are synthesized, but product inhibition and degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent continuously extracts the hydrophobic compound from the aqueous fermentation broth into an immiscible organic phase. This removal of product from the aqueous environment reduces product inhibition on the producing microorganism and minimizes degradation, thereby improving both titer and stability.
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
This approach enhances the recovery and secretion of hydrophobic compounds, simplifying the process by creating a separate phase for extraction and increasing the compound's titer, thereby reducing product inhibition and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the culture medium comprises an extractant in an amount equal to or greater than its cloud concentration measured in an aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
the extractant is a non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improved methods for producing a hydrophobic compound, in particular a hydrophobic compound which is a pheromone such as an insect pheromone, in a fermentation process involving cultivation of a microorganism such as a yeast, said microorganism producing said hydrophobic compound, wherein the methods facilitate recovery of the hydrophobic compound from the fermentation broth, increase the titer of the hydrophobic compound and/or increase secretion of the hydrophobic compound from the microorganism.