Fermentation Process for Succinic Acid Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing succinic acid through biological fermentation are limited by the high cost of inorganic carbon sources and inefficient carbon utilization, which hampers productivity and yield.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sequestering carbon dioxide from industrial sources to produce carbonate or bicarbonate salts, which are used as cost-effective inorganic carbon sources in the fermentation medium, enhancing inorganic carbon uptake and utilization by microorganisms, thereby increasing succinic acid production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If expensive inorganic carbon sources are used in fermentation medium, then succinic acid production is maintained, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of inorganic carbon from traditional carbonate/bicarbonate salts to gaseous CO2, and alters the delivery method from direct dissolution to microencapsulated release, thereby reducing cost while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microencapsulated CO2 as an intermediary carrier that releases CO2 gradually in the fermentation medium, enabling cost-effective inorganic carbon supply while maintaining succinic acid production levels
2Productivity
If conventional CO2 dissolution method is used, then inorganic carbon is supplied, but carbon utilization efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
Microencapsulated CO2 serves as an intermediary that controls the release rate and distribution of CO2 in the fermentation medium, improving carbon utilization efficiency by ensuring adequate CO2 supply at the microbial interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic CO2 release through microencapsulated structures that adjust CO2 supply based on fermentation conditions, thereby optimizing carbon utilization efficiency throughout the fermentation process
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 reduces production costs and improves succinic acid yield and productivity by optimizing inorganic carbon utilization, making the process more efficient and economically viable.
Implementation Method 1
sequestering carbon dioxide from industrial sources to produce carbonate or bicarbonate salts
Implementation Method 2
fermentation process for the production of organic acids
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to improvements in the fermentation process used in the production of organic acids from biological feedstock using bacterial catalysts. The improvements in the fermentation process involve providing a fermentation medium comprising an appropriate form of inorganic carbon, an appropriate amount of aeration and a biocatalyst with an enhanced ability to uptake and assimilate the inorganic carbon into the organic acids. This invention also provides, as a part of an integrated fermentation facility, a novel process for producing a solid source of inorganic carbon by sequestering carbon released from the fermentation in an alkali solution.