Recovery of organic acids from fermentation broths using adsorption techniques
Innovative adsorption techniques using selective absorbents offer a sustainable and scalable method for recovering organic acids from fermentation broths, reducing waste and costs. This approach surpasses traditional methods, providing a greener solution for industrial processes.
Overview
The proposed solution involves the recovery of organic acids from fermentation broths using advanced adsorption techniques. By employing selective absorbent materials such as ion-exchange resins or functionalized polymers, this method efficiently recovers organic acids like malic, fumaric, and succinic acids. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional acid-neutralization and solvent-extraction methods, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. The ability to regenerate and reuse absorbent materials without significant loss of efficiency further enhances its appeal, making it a greener option for industrial applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes selective absorbent materials for targeted recovery of organic acids
- Capable of recovering acids from complex aqueous mixtures
- Focus on materials that can be regenerated and reused, promoting sustainability
- Potential for both ex situ and in situ product recovery applications
- Designed to improve productivity by alleviating product inhibition during fermentation
- Offers energy-efficient and cost-effective recovery process
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that active research is being conducted to validate the concept in a laboratory environment. Future validation plans include testing various adsorption materials with synthetic fermentation mixtures to optimize for factors such as organic acid loading, selectivity, energy efficiency, and stability. This stage is crucial for designing an effective adsorption system tailored for industrial scale applications.
About Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Founded in 1224, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student body and an extensive clinical enterprise. Industry engagement is anchored by the San Giovanni a Teduccio campus, which co‑locates engineering facilities, the Apple Developer Academy, corporate partners, and startup incubators in a revitalized industrial district. The university’s integration with a major hospital system enables clinical research, trials, and translation, while proximity to the Port of Naples and regional manufacturers supports pilot testing and workforce pipelines. Research is supported by competitive funding from the European Commission and Italian national and regional programs. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinout creation, with collaborative doctoral pathways and internships connecting companies to emerging talent.
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