Continuous yeast fermentation platform for enhanced biomanufacturing
A novel continuous yeast fermentation platform that enhances the production of citric acids, erythritol, and functional lipids. This platform offers higher product titer, rate, and yield compared to traditional batch processes, addressing key challenges in biomanufacturing.
Overview
The continuous yeast fermentation platform is designed to revolutionize the production of major fermentation products such as citric acids, erythritol, and functional lipids. Unlike traditional batch or fed-batch processes, this platform introduces a continuous bioreactor system that decouples cell growth and production phases. This innovation significantly enhances product titer, rate, and yield, making it a competitive alternative to petro-chemical manufacturing processes. The platform promises a robust, economical solution with potential applications in various industries requiring efficient biomanufacturing.
Technical specifications
- Continuous fermentation system: Adaptable from existing batch processes, ensuring ease of integration.
- Two-stage bioreactor system: Separates cell growth and production phases, doubling product titer and rate without compromising yield.
- Economical feedstock and novel process control: Utilizes cost-effective media and innovative strategies to optimize production.
- Advanced modeling package: Guides process design and optimization for continuous fermentation.
- Novel yeast strain engineering: Supports long-term continuous fermentation with increased stability and efficiency.
Technology readiness level
The platform is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future plans include optimizing media and process conditions, developing continuous fermentation systems for increased production metrics, and transferring the technology to industry partners through collaborative efforts.
About University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell is a comprehensive public research university in the University of Massachusetts system, known for hands-on, industry-aligned education. Industry partners engage through open-access core research facilities and pilot-scale labs for prototyping and scale-up, supported by staff for contract services. A robust co-op program connects companies with student and faculty talent, while incubator and coworking sites near campus offer labs and flexible space. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, sponsored research, and startup formation to streamline commercialization.
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