Continuous purification of small organic acids using vortex fluidic device
Utilizing the Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD), this technology enables continuous flow purification of small organic acids directly from fermentation broth in under 5 minutes without lysis or centrifugal clarification. It offers a rapid, cost-effective green solution for chemical processing.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages the Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD) for the rapid purification of small organic acids (SOAs) directly from fermentation broth. The process achieves purification in under five minutes, eliminating the need for cell lysis and centrifugal clarification, thus offering significant cost and time savings. By using glass membranes impregnated with capture particles, the VFD facilitates the separation of SOAs from lysate without trapping debris. This approach presents a green and efficient method for chemical processing, ideal for industries focused on sustainable practices.
Technical specifications
- Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD): Utilizes mechanical energy to accelerate mixing and separation with faster-than-diffusion rates.
- Capture Technology: Employs glass membranes and affinity capture particles tailored to bind specifically with SOAs.
- AI/ML Design: Uses Rosetta software to design mutagenesis in anticalins for binding and release of SOAs, including bioconjugation with photo switchable dyes.
- Scalable Process: Designed to handle up to 100 g of SOAs in fermentation broth, optimizing flow rates for high purity yields.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology is in the experimental proof-of-concept stage. Further development is focused on scaling and optimizing the purification process for industrial applications.
About University of California, Irvine
UC Irvine is a comprehensive public research university in the University of California system, known for large-scale research and a collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture. Industry engages through an adjacent research and technology park, an on-campus innovation hub that co-locates startups with corporate teams, and access to shared core laboratories across campus. Integration with a major academic health system provides pathways for clinical collaboration and translation. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DOD, alongside state and industry partnerships. A central technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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