Microbial fermentation of lactose for short-chain fatty acid production
This innovative process utilizes microbial fermentation to convert unrefined lactose streams, like whey permeate, into valuable short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. It supports bioeconomy goals by transforming dairy waste into biochemicals.
Overview
This project aims to transform low-cost unrefined lactose by-products—such as whey permeate and mother liquor—into high-value short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using a microbial fermentation process. The approach leverages Lambton College’s successful SCFA production from glucose, adapting it for lactose-rich substrates to produce valuable biochemicals. This innovation supports circular bioeconomy goals by converting dairy waste into resources for bioplastics, bioenergy, and agriculture.
Technical specifications
The process involves an optimized mixed-culture fermentation system that inhibits methanogenesis, focusing on SCFA-producing microbes. Key parameters include pH, retention time, and nutrient supplementation to maximize SCFA yield. The downstream process is further optimized to isolate butyrate, acetate, and propionate. The system will undergo lab-scale testing in 1.8L bioreactors, advancing to 5L and 32L systems for process stability and reproducibility. Analytical methods such as HPLC and GC-MS will quantify SCFA concentrations.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 4, having been validated at the laboratory scale with plans for further scaling and testing. The next steps involve optimizing fermentation parameters and evaluating process economics and environmental impact, with a tech transfer plan for industrial application.
About Lambton College
Lambton College is a career‑focused public college in Sarnia, Ontario, recognized for hands‑on, industry‑aligned applied research. Companies engage through three NSERC‑funded Technology Access Centres—the Lambton Manufacturing Innovation Centre, the Bio‑Industrial Process Research Centre, and the Digital Technology Lab—which provide contract R&D, prototyping, testing, and process optimization. Facilities include a BSL‑2 lab, a Natural Health Products lab, and the Canadian Extrusion Research Laboratory, with teams based on campus and at the adjacent Western Sarnia‑Lambton Research Park, enabling rapid validation and scale‑up alongside a major regional energy and chemical manufacturing cluster. Applied research is supported by funding from NSERC, Mitacs, the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, and FedDev Ontario programs. A dedicated commercialization function offers IP strategy and licensing support, augmented by resources from Intellectual Property Ontario.
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