Božidar Šantek

Mathematical modeling of mixing in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor: "Spiral flow" model

A horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB) was designed as a combination of a “thin-layer bioreactor” and a “biodisc” reactor whose interior was divided by O-ring shaped partition walls. For the investigation of mixing in HRTB the temperature step method was applied. Temperature changes in the bioreactor were monitored by six Pt-100 sensors (t90 response time 0.08 s and resolution 0.002 °C) which were connected with an interface unit and a personal computer. In this work a modified “tank in series” concept was used to establish a mathematical model. The heat balance of the model compartments was established according to the physical model and the “spiral flow” pattern. Numerical integration was done by the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. The mathematical mixing model called “spiral flow” model contained four adjustable parameters (N1, Ni, Fcrand Fp) and five parameters which characterized the plant and experimental conditions. The “spiral flow” model was capable to describe the mixing in HRTB properly, and its applicability was much better than with the “simple flow” model, presented earlier.

Microbial acetate oxidation in horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor.

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of conducting a continuous aerobic bioprocess in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB). Aerobic oxidation of acetate by the action of a mixed microbial culture was chosen as a model process. The microbial culture was not only grown in a suspension but also in the form of a biofilm on the interior surface of HRTB. Efficiency of the bioprocess was monitored by determination of the acetate concentration and chemical oxygen demand (COD). While acetate inlet concentration and feeding rate influenced efficiency of acetate oxidation, the bioreactor rotation speed did not influence the bioprocess dynamics significantly. Gradients of acetate concentration and pH along HRTB were more pronounced at lower feeding rates. Volumetric load of acetate was proved to be the most significant parameter. High volumetric loads (above 2 g acetate l−1 h−1) gave poor acetate oxidation efficiency (only 17 to 50%). When the volumetric load was in the range of 0.60–1.75 g acetate l−1 h−1, acetate oxidation efficiency was 50–75%. At lower volumetric loads (0.14–0.58 g acetate l−1 h−1), complete acetate consumption was achieved. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that HRTB is suitable for conducting aerobic continuous bioprocesses.

Fermentative bioconversion in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor

Abstract The performance of a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB) was investigated with a biological system under non-sterile conditions. A spontaneously developed microbial culture was cultivated in a simple glucose/yeast extract medium. A fermentative bioconversion was examined by different combinations of process parameters (bioreactor rotation speed 5–30 min −1 and medium inflow rate 1–10 l h −1 ). Bioconversion dynamics in HRTB was monitored by withdrawing the samples from five positions along the bioreactor. Investigation in HRTB showed a rapid and an efficient glucose conversion into different products of metabolism. Glucose consumption rate along the HRTB depended on medium inflow rate, while bioreactor rotation speed did not have a significant influence. Complete glucose conversion in HRTB was observed at inflow rates of up to 6.5 l h −1 . The pH gradient along the HRTB was detected at higher medium inflow rates (6.5 and 10 l h −1 ), but did not significantly influence substrate conversion efficiency. A discussion of its potential use and a comparison of HRTB with other bioreactors are also presented.

From malt to wheat beer: A comprehensive multi- toxin screening, transfer assessment and its influence on basic fermentation parameters

The aim was to determine the mycotoxin transfer rate into beer during a semi-industrial production process and the effect of fungicide treatment in the field on mycotoxins concentrations in beer. To ensure the usual practical agronomical conditions, sample A was treated with fungicide Prosaro® 250, and sample B was infected with Fusarium culmorum spores, in order to obtain infected malt. Malt was produced using standard procedure and beer was produced in a semi-industrial unit. During fermentation measurement of sugars (maltotriose and maltose), glycerol and ethanol content was performed on a daily basis. Multiple toxins were determined in malt and beer. Deoxynivalenol (DON), its modified plant metabolite DON-3-glucoside (DON-glucoside), brevianamide F, tryptophol, linamarin, lotaustralin, culmorin (CUL), 15-hydroxy-CUL and 5-hydroyx-CUL were detected in all samples. Results indicate that F. culmorum infection did not influence the fermentation process or the alcohol concentration.

Monitoring of Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn in wastewater during treatment in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor.

The most appropriate systems for treatment of metal-contaminated waters are bioreactors with microbial biofilms. A horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB) was studied for its applicability for removing copper, iron, nickel, and zinc (Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn) from wastewater. Monitoring of the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn by a fast, simple, onsite method was needed to make decisions for further optimization. The UV-VIS spectrophotometric quantification of Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn using sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, 1,10-phenathroline, dimethylglyoxime, and 2-{[alpha-(2-Hydroxy-5-sulfophenylazo)-benzylidene]-hydrazino}-benzoic acid monosodium salt (=zincon monosodium salt) as reagents, respectively, was optimized and validated. The limits of quantification were 0.14, 0.12, 0.21, and 0.03 mg/L for Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn, respectively. The recovery for all elements was between 98 and 104%, the uncertainty of measurement was less than 6%. Depending on the reactor parameters applied, metal removals from 40 to more than 90% could be obtained.

Production of lactate and acetate by Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens DSM 20004T in comparison with Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM 20531T

Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens DSM20004(T) is a d-lactate producer, with a portion of the d-lactate higher than 99.9% of total lactic acid produced. Acetate was identified as the second end-product that appeared at the end of the exponential growth phase in MRS medium when glucose concentration dropped to 38.41mM (6.92g/L). The acetate production was prolonged to the stationary phase, while the concentration of d-lactate remained constant. Other end-products were not identified by HPLC method. The known metabolic pathways of glucose fermentation in lactic acid bacteria do not produce the particular combination of these two end-products, but besides lactate and acetate also formate, ethanol and CO2 are produced. For comparison, the production of lactate and acetate by a d-/l-lactate producer Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM 20531(T) was also investigated. This strain produced equimolar quantities of d- and l-lactate in the MRS medium. Acetate was produced only when initial concentration of glucose was 55.51mM (10g/L) and production started in the exponential phase when concentration of glucose dropped to 35.52mM (6.40g/L). Similar behavior was observed with the initial concentration of maltose of 29.21mM (10g/L). An unstructured mathematical model was established for the bioprocess simulation.

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling of simultaneous extraction and fermentation process in a single sugar beet cossette

Abstract For simulations of flow and microbial conversion reactions, related to modeling of simultaneous extraction and fermentation process in a single sugar beet cossette a software package OpenFOAM was used. The mass transfer of the components (sucrose, glucose, fructose and ethanol) in the studied system was controlled by the convection and diffusion processes. Microbial conversion rates and yield coefficients were experimentally determined and/or estimated by mathematical simulation. Dimensions of the model sugar beet cossette (SBC) were: average length of cosettes 40.10 mm, average thickness 3.32 mm and average width 3.5 mm, and represented in the model as a square-shape cross-section mathematical simulation. Dimensions of the model sugar beet cossette (SBC) were: average length of cosettes 40.10 mm, average thickness 3.32 mm and average width 3.5 mm, and represented in the model as a square-shape cross-section used to study the mass transfer and microbial conversion rates on the scale of single sugar beet cossette in the short time scales (up to 25 s). This model can be used for simulation of extractant flow around single sugar beet cossette as well as for description of simultaneous extraction and fermentation process in the studied system.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration as parameters of Azotobacter chroococcum cultivation for use in biofertilizers

SummaryAzotobacter chroococcum was grown in continuous culture at two temperatures (30 °C and 20 °C) and different dissolved oxygen tensions (DOT) (30 % to 40 % and 70 % to 80 % of air saturation), respectively. At the temperature of 30 °C and low DOT a relatively high volumetric productivity and efficiency of nitrogen fixation were obtained. After lowering the temperature to 20 °C, an intensive formation of cysts was observed associated with a drastic decrease of the bacterial growth. Bacteria in the form of cysts kept their physiological activity for a long period of time depending on temperature and preparation.

Proizvodnja bioetanola iz kukuruznih oklasaka

Lignocelulozna biomasa najzastupljeniji je obnovljivi izvor organskog ugljika na Zemlji. Posljednjih desetljeća proveden je velik broj istraživanja vezanih uz primjenu te sirovine u proizvodnji biogoriva i finih kemikalija. Smatra se pogodnom zamjenom za naftu kao sirovina za proizvodnju motornih goriva jer je sveprisutna, lako dostupna i vrlo jeftina.1 Primjena lignocelulozne biomase u proizvodnji biogoriva pridonijela bi smanjenju niza gorućih problema s kojima je današnje društvo suočeno. To se prije svega odnosi na iscrpljivanje zaliha fosilnih goriva, energetsku nesigurnost i ovisnost, visoku razinu CO2 u atmosferi i emisiju toksičnih supstancija koje nastaju izgaranjem fosilnih goriva (SO2, NOx). Proizvodnja bioetanola danas se najvećim djelom zasniva na šećernim (npr. šećerna repa i melasa) i škrobnim sirovinama (npr. kukuruzu, pšenici, krumpiru) koje se rabe u ishrani ljudi i stoke. U mnogim razvijenim državama potiče se proizvodnja biogoriva različitim poreznim olakšicama i primjenom zakona o obvezatnom miješanju bioetanola s benzinom. Međutim uvedene mjere dovele su proizvođače hrane u neravnopravan položaj u odnosu na proizvođače biogoriva i uzrokovale porast cijene sirovine i hrane.2

Bioethanol Production from Renewable Raw Materials and its Separation and Purification: a Review

SUMMARY Production of biofuels from renewable feedstocks has captured considerable scientific attention since they could be used to supply energy and alternative fuels. Bioethanol is one of the most interesting biofuels due to its positive impact on the environment. Currently, it is mostly produced from sugar- and starch-containing raw materials. However, various available types of lignocellulosic biomass such as agricultural and forestry residues, and herbaceous energy crops could serve as feedstocks for the production of bioethanol, energy, heat and value-added chemicals. Lignocellulose is a complex mixture of carbohydrates that needs an efficient pretreatment to make accessible pathways to enzymes for the production of fermentable sugars, which after hydrolysis are fermented into ethanol. Despite technical and economic difficulties, renewable lignocellulosic raw materials represent low-cost feedstocks that do not compete with the food and feed chain, thereby stimulating the sustainability. Different bioprocess operational modes were developed for bioethanol production from renewable raw materials. Furthermore, alternative bioethanol separation and purification processes have also been intensively developed. This paper deals with recent trends in the bioethanol production as a fuel from different renewable raw materials as well as with its separation and purification processes.