Successful pilot demonstration of intensified bioreactor concept FAST for low cost multiphase fermentations
Arjan Oudshoorn [1],], Kirsten Steinbusch [1], Fabienne Feskens-Snoeck [1], Stefaan Breestraat [2] and Nancy Schäper (schaeper@dab.bio) [1]
[1] DAB B.V., [2] Bioprocess Pilot Facility B.V.
The advances in molecular biology such as engineering microorganisms enable the production of novel bioproducts or the substitution of ‘traditional’ fossil based products but lack the development of cost effective process technology. DAB has developed an in-situ product removal technology that was integrated in a bioreactor for intensified microbial fermentations, called FAST - Fermentation Acceleration by Separation Technology. FAST allows continuous product removal during ongoing extractive fermentations leading to increased productivities. Especially product or toxicity inhibited processes such as biofuels benefit of the continuous removal of the inhibitor lowering the overall intensity of the downstream processing steps.
The FAST system was validated on an E. coli strain for the production of 2 fragrances. Recovery efficiencies above 95% were achieved during continuous fermentation, because the separation capacity of FAST reactor was tailored towards microbial activity. Matching the extractive power and separation capacity leads to high production rates and direct improvement of downstream processing costs. An overview of interesting piloting campaigns will be shared as two sesquiterpenes producing E. coli extractive fermentations. The readiness of the FAST concept will be discussed in relation to its applicability in large scale microbial production processes for advanced fuels and specialty chemicals as well as in relation to future cost effective production biosynthesis of chemicals.
