Membrane-based purification of propionic acid from fermentation processes
A novel membrane-based purification process enhances propionic acid recovery from fermentation broths using a liquid-filled membrane for selective pervaporation, improving solubility and flux through innovative reactive mechanisms.
Overview
This innovative purification process utilizes a specialized membrane system to efficiently recover propionic acid (PA) from fermentation broth. By employing a membrane with a highly hydrophobic surface and a nonvolatile liquid that reacts with PA, this method enhances the separation process through selective pervaporation. The process is designed to improve the solubility and flux of propionic acid, effectively yielding a condensate enriched in PA.
Technical specifications
- Membrane design: Features a thin porous wall filled with a nonvolatile liquid that selectively reacts with propionic acid.
- Operational conditions: Optimal feed liquid temperatures between 35 to 55°C to increase PA vapor pressure and flux.
- Separation mechanism: Utilizes vacuum-assisted pervaporation to evaporate and condense PA, enriching the condensate.
- Versatility: Capable of separating other volatile organics present in the fermentation broth through selective solubility in the liquid membrane.
Technology readiness level
This purification technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating experimental proof of concept. The next stage involves building a membrane module with industrial collaborators and further validation with synthetic solutions of propionic acid.
About New Jersey Institute of Technology
NJIT is a public polytechnic research university (Carnegie R1) in Newark, serving the New York–New Jersey innovation corridor. Industry engages on campus through VentureLink, the university’s startup incubator in University Heights Science Park and the Newark Innovation Zone, and via a large makerspace that supports prototyping for external partners. The New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), a corporation of NJIT, provides an industry‑facing gateway, including a venture‑studio model launched with the state’s economic‑development authority, to speed translation and scale. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE and DoD. An Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing Office manages IP, licensing and startup formation alongside NJII and VentureLink.
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