Modeling fixed bed bioreactors for isopropanol and butanol production using Clostridium beijerinckii DSM 6423 immobilized on polyurethane foams

Isopropanol-butanol fermentation carried out by C. beijerinckii can be improved immobilizing cells in a fixed bed bioreactor. In this study, bioreactor was developed using polyurethane foams as solid support for biofilm growth. The dilution rate increased over time to follow development while avoiding solvent accumulation within the A phenomenological model designed and successfully described batch continuous dynamics. parameters regarding detachment attachment were estimated design allowing sampling during fermentation. This last experiment operated 550 h reached maximum productivity of 1.5 g.L −1.h −1. prediction capacity tested describing column 800 h. latter enabled 2.5 −1 650 high concentration (13.5 −1) with butanol close toxicity threshold (7.5 obtained process. process enhanced isopropanol productivity. properly immobilized However, 20% difference between experimental modeled data observed. Therefore, should better such systems.