Optimization and control of PHA production through fermentation
Summary
Background
The world’s growing awareness regarding limited fossil fuel resources and environmental consciousness have directed research and industrial attention towards the production of bioplastics as alternatives for synthetic plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a group of bioplastics which have the potential to substitute conventional plastics with wide range of applications. This type of biobased and biodegradable plastic is being produced by a two-step fermentation process, in which the first step is biomass growth under favorable conditions followed by PHA accumulation under nutrient limiting conditions.
Research objectives
- Optimization of heterotrophic biomass growth, on organic liquid waste streams
- Optimization of autotrophic PHA production, on inorganic waste gas streams
Methodology
- Lab-scale experiments
- Modelling and simulation
Keywords
Bioplastics; Fed-batch fermentation
Project administration
Researcher: Md. Salatul Islam Mozumder
Funding: VITO
Project duration: 01.10.2011 - 30.09.2015