Use of Pressurized and Airlift Bioreactors for Citric Acid Production by Yarrowia lipolytica from Crude Glycerol

Citric acid production is generally carried out in an aqueous medium stirred tank reactors (STR), where the solubility of oxygen low and demand microbial cultures high. Thus, for this bioprocess, providing adequate mass transfer rate (OTR) from gas phase into culture main challenge bioreactor selection operation. In study, citric by Yarrowia lipolytica W29 crude glycerol, batch cultures, was performed two non-conventional bioreactors normally associated with high efficiency: a pressurized STR airlift bioreactor. Increased OTR obtained raising total air pressure increasing aeration An improvement 40% maximum titer 1 bar to 2 bar, whereas, bioreactor, 30% attained vvm 1.5 vvm. Both types can be successfully applied process using alternative ways improving than mechanical stirring power input, thus leading important operating saving costs.