Solvent-based approaches to evaluate the ABE extractive fermentation

Abstract

The reindustrialization of ABE fermentation is hampered by significant production costs, linked to high product inhibition and limited intrinsic yield. The reduction of these costs depends on the effective application of integrated toxic product removal techniques. The evaluation of ABE extractive fermentation with solvents of different nature in terms of extraction capacity or biocompatibility is the main objective of this thesis. Attention is focused on the assessment of the solvent influence, not only on the physical effects but also on the metabolism and microbial population dynamics evolution. A mathematical model based on the evolution of the heterogeneous culture inside the bioreactor was proposed and validated ABE extractive fermentation is techno and economically evaluated on a solvent-based comparative basis. The integration of this process within a LCB biorefinery using a 2G type substrate is also considered.