Fermentation of biodiesel-derived glycerol by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: effects of co-substrates on 2,3-butanediol production

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013 Sep;97(17):7651-8. doi: 10.1007/s00253-013-5048-x.

Abstract

Cultivation in glycerol instead of sugars inhibits 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In this study, we report that B. amyloliquefaciens readily produces 2,3-BD from biodiesel-derived glycerol in the presence of beet molasses as a co-substrate. Unexpectedly, the molasses stimulated 2,3-BD production and simultaneously reduced the duration of fermentation. Productivity of 2,3-BD was enhanced at the start of fermentation, and yields increased under continuous molasses supply. Subsequently, 2,3-BD production in molasses-supplemented fed-batch culture was observed. Prior to inoculation of fed-batch fermentation culture, 15 g/l of molasses was added to the bioreactor. After 6 h of incubation, the bioreactor was fed with a solution containing 80 % glycerol and 15 % molasses. The 2,3-BD concentration, yield, and productivity significantly improved, reaching 83.3 g/l, 0.42 g/g, and 0.87 g/l·h, respectively. To our knowledge, these results are the highest report for 2,3-BD fermentation from biodiesel-derived glycerol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus / metabolism*
  • Biofuels / analysis*
  • Bioreactors / microbiology
  • Butylene Glycols / metabolism*
  • Culture Media / metabolism
  • Fermentation
  • Glycerol / metabolism*
  • Molasses / analysis

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Butylene Glycols
  • Culture Media
  • 2,3-butylene glycol
  • Glycerol