Robust, fully quantifiable and scalable bioprocess utilizing spent sulfite liquor with Corynebacterium glutamicum

Abstract

In this study, a bioprocessing strategy was designed to valorize ultra-filtered spent sulfite liquor (UF-SSL) without prior detoxification steps as well as using it purely as a carbon source supplement to defined or complex media. Hence, a minimal medium for the bioconversion of UF-SSL with Corynebacterium glutamicum was developed and process robustness and reproducibility were validated. Process quantifiability was ensured by development of a biomass measurement technique for matrices with high water-insoluble solids and verified using elemental balancing. Mechanistic modeling based on Monod equations was used to identify batch kinetics. In a final step, scale-up of the developed process was performed to showcase process maturity towards commercialisation.

Keywords: Fermentation; Fluorescence biomass measurement; Lignocellulosic feedstock; Minimal medium; Scale-up.