Volatile Fatty Acid Extraction in Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing molecules from fermentable biomass through anaerobic fermentation are inefficient, as they result in discontinuous production, microorganism inhibition due to acidification, and high waste generation, with limited adaptability and yield, especially when using genetically modified organisms and food-based biomass.
Innovation Solution
A method involving anaerobic fermentation of fermentable biomass to produce volatile fatty acids, which are continuously extracted and reused in the fermentation reactor to maintain microorganism activity and prevent acidification, followed by non-fermentative synthesis into final organic molecules, utilizing a biorefinery approach with a fermentation reactor, extraction unit, and synthesis unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If anaerobic fermentation is carried out to produce volatile fatty acids, then precursor molecules are obtained, but acidification of the medium occurs which inhibits microorganisms and stops fermentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction to remove volatile fatty acids from the fermentation medium as they are produced. This prevents acidification of the medium while maintaining continuous production. The extraction system selectively removes VFAs without affecting microorganism activity, resolving the contradiction between product accumulation and microbial inhibition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the medium is continuously monitored. When the concentration reaches a threshold that would cause inhibition, the extraction system is activated to remove excess VFAs, maintaining optimal conditions for continuous fermentation.
2Reliability
If fermentation is carried out discontinuously to avoid microorganism inhibition, then microorganism activity is preserved, but production efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous fermentation by integrating extraction with the fermentation process. The useful action of fermentation continues uninterrupted because VFAs are continuously removed, preventing inhibition. This allows the system to operate continuously rather than in discontinuous batches, significantly improving productivity while maintaining microorganism activity.
3Reliability
If volatile fatty acids are extracted after fermentation to avoid inhibition, then microorganism activity is maintained, but production time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing extraction during the fermentation process itself, rather than after completion. The extraction system proactively removes VFAs before they reach inhibitory concentrations, preventing the need for extended fermentation times or repeated batch cycles. This reduces total production time while maintaining microorganism activity.
4Reliability
If extraction is carried out under conditions that preserve microorganisms, then continuous production is enabled, but extraction efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary extraction system that separates the extraction function from the fermentation environment. The extraction unit operates under conditions optimized for VFA removal while the fermentation continues under conditions optimized for microbial activity. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by allowing each process to operate at its optimal efficiency without compromising the other.
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 method enables continuous production of precursor molecules with high yield and minimal waste, maintaining microorganism activity and adaptability, and allows for the production of various biosourced molecules with improved productivity and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
an anaerobic fermentation step... By anaerobic fermentation is meant a fermentation carried out under anaerobic conditions by microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
extracting, between the start of production and the maximum production of said volatile fatty acids, at least one part of the volatile fatty acids of the fermentation medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing organic molecules from fermentable biomass, which includes a step of anaerobic fermentation (5) producing volatile fatty acids (6), said precursors being transformed into final organic molecules by non-fermentation means. The method also includes at least the following steps: a) extracting (9) at least one portion of the volatile fatty acids from the fermentation medium such that the production of fermentation metabolites by the microorganisms (M) is not affected and injecting a portion of the liquid phase (11) containing microorganisms from the extraction (9); b) synthesising (13) organic molecules from the fermentation metabolites or volatile fatty acids extracted in step a); and c) continuing steps a) to b) until obtaining a final amount and quality of organic molecules. The invention also relates to a facility for implementing the method.