SCREENING OF RESINS FOR USE IN A BIPARTICLE FLUIDIZED-BED BIOREACTOR FOR THE CONTINUOUS FERMENTATION AND SEPARATION OF LACTIC-ACID

A continuous particle fluidized-bed reactor is being developed for the simultaneous fermentation and purification of lactic acid. Unlike con ventional fermentation schemes, the biparticle fluidized bed does not require the addition of salts for reactor pH control and product separ ation as the inhibitory product is removed directly from the reactor. This minimizes process waste and enhances reactor efficiency. This wor k has screened a series of adsorbents for possible utilization in the biparticle fluidized-bed fermentation of lactic acid by immobilized La ctobacillus delbreuckii. Capacity, specificity, regenerability, and ki netics were investigated. Although a resin exhibiting all of the desir ed properties has yet to be found, Remex 425 appears satisfactory and will be utilized in initial process demonstration as resin screening c ontinues.