Butyric acid: fermentation production using organic waste as low-cost feedstocks

Abstract

Abstract Butyric acid is an important chemical which has many applications in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Butyraldehyde, which is derived from propylene, is now converted into butyrate by petrochemical processes known as oxo synthesis. Because of its poor productivity and low butyrate concentration in the fermentation broth, biotechnological production of butyric acid is not economically viable. Typically, a sizable amount of the overall production expenses goes toward the cost of the fermentation substrate. If the fermentation process can use minimal biomass as the feedstock, a cost-competitive production of butyric acid from the fermentation technique would be generated with a strong market prospect. Organic wastes are recommended as a source of butyric acid fermentation feedstock because they are inexpensive, can be generated in huge numbers, and are biodegradable. With a focus on the low-cost feedstock, the many uses of butyric acid are discussed, with its present production status. As a result, this paper explores several butyric acid fermentation-related problems and offers ideas for potential solutions.