Microbial advanced biofuels production: Overcoming emulsification challenges for large-scale operation

Arjan S. Heeres, Carolina S.F. Picone, Luuk A.M. van der Wielen, Rosiane L. Cunha, Maria C. Cuellar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Isoprenoids and alkanes produced and secreted by microorganisms are emerging as an alternative biofuel for diesel and jet fuel replacements. In a similar way as for other bioprocesses comprising an organic liquid phase, the presence of microorganisms, medium composition, and process conditions may result in emulsion formation during fermentation, hindering product recovery. At the same time, a low-cost production process overcoming this challenge is required to make these advanced biofuels a feasible alternative. We review the main mechanisms and causes of emulsion formation during fermentation, because a better understanding on the microscale can give insights into how to improve large-scale processes and the process technology options that can address these challenges.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)221-229
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Biotechnology
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Advanced biofuels
  • Bioemulsifiers
  • Biosurfactants
  • Multiphase fermentation
  • Oil recovery
  • Pickering stabilization

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