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