Development of an Integrated Bioprocess For Butanol Production

The research program addressed the conversion of lactose to Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol by Clostridium acetobutylicum DSMZ 792. The research pathway is ultimately targeted at the development of: a) novel and effective tools for the characterization of the peculiar conversion process, cells growth under acidogenesis conditions and solvents production under solventogenesis conditions; b) biofilm reactors for the intensified ABE production. The study was articulated in three paths: i) the characterization of the ABE fermentation process as regards kinetics and yields; ii) the development of a continuous biofilm reactor for the ABE production; iii) the economic assessment of the process for the recover and concentration of solvents.