Long-Chain Substrate Composition for Higher Dibasic Acid Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing long-chain dibasic acids using n-alkanes as substrates suffer from low fermentation degree and low substrate utilization.
Innovation Solution
A long-chain composition comprising specific ratios of long-chain alkanes and carboxylic acids, along with controlled pH and water content, is used in a fermentation process with a yeast having a complete α, ω-oxidation pathway, and a tailored fermentation medium and method to improve substrate utilization and fermentation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If n-alkane is used as substrate for fermentation, then long-chain dibasic acids can be produced, but fermentation degree and substrate utilization are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite substrate system consisting of n-alkane mixed with long-chain carboxylic acid (such as lauric acid, myristic acid, or palmitic acid) in specific mass ratios (1:1 to 40:1, preferably 2:1 to 20:1). This composite substrate improves micelle formation and substrate solubility, thereby enhancing fermentation degree and substrate utilization compared to using pure n-alkane alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the mass ratio parameters of n-alkane to long-chain carboxylic acid (specifically mentioning ratios from 1:1 to 40:1, with preferences for 2:1 to 20:1 or 5:1 to 10:1) and controls pH (5-12, preferably 7-10) to maximize fermentation efficiency and substrate utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If long-chain carboxylic acid is added to improve solubility, then substrate utilization improves, but fermentation system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages system complexity by controlling specific parameters: mass ratio of n-alkane to carboxylic acid (1:1 to 40:1), pH (5-12), and temperature (32°C). These controlled parameter changes improve solubility and substrate utilization without requiring complex additional equipment or processes.
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 method enhances fermentation degree, improves substrate solubility, and increases production intensity of long-chain dicarboxylic acids by promoting micelle formation and utilizing carboxylic acids as carbon sources, thereby shortening fermentation time and improving yield.
Implementation Method 1
improves substrate solubility, and increases production intensity of long-chain dicarboxylic acids by promoting micelle formation
Implementation Method 2
methyl groups at two ends of a long-chain n-alkane is converted into carboxyl groups via α, ω-oxidization, respectively, by means of the specific oxidizing capability and the action of intracellular enzymes of microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
utilizing carboxylic acids as carbon sources, thereby shortening fermentation time and improving yield
Data Source
AI summary
A long-chain composition has at least one long-chain alkane selected from the group consisting of C9-18 linear or branched alkanes and at least one long-chain carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of C9-18 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids. The mass ratio of the long-chain alkane to the long-chain carboxylic acid ranges from 1:1 to 40:1. The long-chain composition has a higher fermentation degree or higher substrate utilization rate and the like, when used as a starting material in the production of long-chain dibasic acids via fermentation.