Removal of fumaric acid from simulated and real fermentation broth

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDOne of the most popular methods of glycerol utilisation involves its bioconversion to low‐molecular organic compounds such as polyoles or organic acids. Because of the presence of contaminants in the post‐fermentation broth, including left‐over glycerol, small amounts of proteins, inorganic salts and some organic acids formed in the process of fermentation (mainly acetate, formic and lactic acids), the success of bioconversion is determined by the process of purification. In the study presented the usefulness of nanofiltration with the use of ceramic membranes for concentration and separation of fumaric acid from glycerol was evaluated.RESULTSIt was found that the retention of fumaric salt increased strongly with increasing pH of the feed solution (depending on the degree of dissociation). The retentions of uncharged compounds, i.e. fumaric acid or glycerol were lower than 2%, irrespective of the initial concentration of the solution to be filtered.CONCLUSIONThe results obtained showed that nanofiltration can be considered as one of the purification steps in the process of recovery of salts of organic acids from a fermentation broth containing glycerol. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry