Liquid - Liquid Extraction of 2, 3-Butanediol from Fermentation Broth

Recovery of metabolites from fermentation broth by solvent extraction can be used to optimize fermentation processes. End-product reutilization, low product concentration, large volumes of fermentation broth and the requirements for large bioreactors, in addition to the high cost largely contributed to the decline in fermentative 2, 3-butanediol production. Extraction can successfully be used for in-situ alcohol recovery in 2, 3-butanediol fermentations to increase the substrate conversion. In the present work organic extraction of 2, 3-butanediol produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae fermentation was studied to detect solvent effect on 2, 3-butanediol production and determination of efficient volume of solvent. The aim of this research was liquid-liquid extractive fermentation systems evaluation as an alternative to overcome the end product effect and to increase of 2, 3-butanediol production by K. pneumoniae because conventional fermentative production of 2, 3-butanediol by K. pneumoniae has the disadvantage of product reutilization by the organism. The highest 2, 3-butanediol production (23.01 g/L) achieved when 20% oleyl alcohol was used.