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Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s00253-019-10086-9
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Title (Primary) Syngas-aided anaerobic fermentation for medium-chain carboxylate and alcohol production: the case for microbial communities
Author Baleeiro, F.C.F.; Kleinsteuber, S. ORCID logo ; Neumann, A.; Sträuber, H.
Source Titel Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Year 2019
Department UMB
Volume 103
Issue 21-22
Page From 8689
Page To 8709
Language englisch
Keywords Chain elongation; Biorefinery; Syngas fermentation; Reverse beta-oxidation; Open culture; Acetogenesis
Abstract Syngas fermentation has been successfully implemented in commercial-scale plants and can enable the biochemical conversion of the driest fractions of biomass through synthesis gas (H2, CO2, and CO). The process relies on optimized acetogenic strains able to reach and maintain high productivity of ethanol and acetate. In parallel, microbial communities have shown to be the best choice for the production of valuable medium-chain carboxylates through anaerobic fermentation of biomass, demanding low technical complexity and being able to realize simultaneous hydrolysis of the substrate. Each of the two technologies benefits from different strong points and has different challenges to overcome. This review discusses the rationales for merging these two seemingly disparate technologies by analyzing previous studies and drawing opinions based on the lessons learned from such studies. For keeping the technical demands of the resulting process low, a case is built for using microbial communities instead of pure strains. For that to occur, a shift from conventional syngas-based to “syngas-aided” anaerobic fermentation is suggested. Strategies for tackling the intricacies of working simultaneously with communities and syngas, such as competing pathways, and thermodynamic aspects are discussed as well as the stoichiometry and economic feasibility of the concept. Overall, syngas-aided anaerobic fermentation seems to be a promising concept for the biorefinery of the future. However, the effects of process parameters on microbial interactions have to be understood in greater detail, in order to achieve and sustain feasible medium-chain carboxylate and alcohol productivity.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=22310
Baleeiro, F.C.F., Kleinsteuber, S., Neumann, A., Sträuber, H. (2019):
Syngas-aided anaerobic fermentation for medium-chain carboxylate and alcohol production: the case for microbial communities
Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 103 (21-22), 8689 - 8709 10.1007/s00253-019-10086-9