High-cell-density PHB production in a membrane bioreactor

International Conference and Exhibition on Biopolymers & Bioplastics

August 10-12, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Cornelia Haas, Lukas Burgstaller, Marina Smerilli and Markus Neureiter

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Material Sci Eng

Abstract :

We developed a cell-recycle membrane bioreactor for the high-cell-density production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). This
fermentation strategy is feasible for low carbon concentrations in the feed stream, as often found in agricultural residues.
Cupriavidus necator DSM 545 was continuously supplied with medium containing 50 g/L of glucose. A constant working volume
inside the bioreactor was maintained by an external polysulfone microfiltration membrane module. The PHB-production phase was
started after 8 hours by supplying nitrogen-free medium. After another 32 hours, 52 g/L dry biomass were accumulated containing
92% PHB, resulting in a high productivity of 1.2 g PHB/Lh.

Biography :

Cornelia Haas studied molecular biology and biological chemistry at the University of Vienna, Columbia University in the City of New York and the Dublin Institute of
Technology. Currently she is doing her PhD project on the production of PHB from alternative feedstocks at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
Vienna. She has (co-)authored several papers and presented her work at the Renewable Resources and Biorefinery Conference in Spain (2014).