Original scientific paper
Continuous Production Mode as a Viable Process-Engineering Tool for Efficient Poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) Bio-Production
M. Koller
orcid.org/0000-0002-9251-1822
; aInstitute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12, 8010 Graz; bARENA – Association for Resource Efficient and Sustainable Technologies
A. Muhr
orcid.org/0000-0001-9512-6113
; cInstitute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz; dPolymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH, c/o Petersgasse 12, 8010 Graz, Austria
Abstract
Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) constitute promising biomaterials for substituting plastics of fossil origin. Until now, all commercial processes for PHA production were based on discontinuous fed-batch cultivation of prokaryotes. Such processes embody several shortcomings: unpredictable product quality, restricted possibility for supply of toxic carbon substrates, and, most of all, low volumetric productivity. Continuous PHA biosynthesis as a remedy was already investigated on laboratory scale for production of highly crystalline PHA homopolyesters as well as for elastomeric and even functional PHA copolyesters.
Apart from enhanced productivity, chemostat processes are a feasible method to elucidate kinetics of cell growth and PHA formation under constant environmental conditions. In order to adapt the process engineering to the microbial kinetic characteristics for growth and PHA accumulation, continuous single- and multistage approaches are reported.
Keywords
Azohydromonas lata; bioreactor cascade; chemostat; continuous process; copolyester; Cupriavidus necator; (Poly)hydroxyalkanoates (PHA); Pseudomonas
Hrčak ID:
117989
URI
Publication date:
21.3.2014.
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