Green solvent extraction technology for small organic acids from fermentation broth
Innovative green solvent extraction method for efficient recovery of small organic acids from fermentation broth, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional solvents.
Overview
This solution offers a novel green solvent extraction technology designed to efficiently recover small organic acids from fermentation broth. Unlike traditional organic solvents, this method leverages environmentally friendly solvents to minimize ecological impact while maintaining high extraction efficiency. The technology targets the undissociated form of organic acids in the fermentation broth, optimizing the extraction process to yield higher efficiency.
Technical specifications
- Green Solvent Use: Utilizes eco-friendly solvents that are immiscible in water, enhancing the sustainability of the extraction process.
- Target Compounds: Efficiently extracts small organic acids, with a focus on maximizing yields from the fermentation supernatant, which is typically considered waste.
- Process Optimization: Involves experimental determination of optimal conditions such as solvent concentration, temperature, and molar ratios to achieve high extraction efficiency.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, with experimental work being conducted to optimize the process parameters for effective application. The groundwork laid for extracting larger organic acids such as lactic and succinic acids supports the development of this technology.
About Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s national applied research organization, operating multi-site campuses with a mission-driven, contract research model that serves government and industry. Industry engagement centers on co-located laboratories, accredited testing, and pilot-scale platforms that help companies de-risk scale-up and validate compliance. Prototyping workshops and demonstration testbeds support rapid design–build–test cycles, and on-campus collaboration spaces enable supplier development. Research is backed by South Africa’s public research funding and competitive industry contracts, with added support from international development and research programs. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinout formation, with streamlined pathways for NDAs and facility access.
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