Output details

Addressing the challenge of optimum polyhydroxyalkanoate harvesting: Monitoring real time process kinetics and biopolymer accumulation using dielectric spectroscopy

Dielectric spectroscopy was investigated for the first time for monitoring PHA production. This work was instigated to address a significant barrier, as previously no real-time monitoring method existed to determine the optimum harvesting time or the level of PHA accumulated by bacteria. The novel tool allows an improved understanding of fermentation kinetics/biopolymer formation and increased production efficiency where biopolymer/substrate losses are minimised. Its use at full-scale will allow PHA to become a more sustainable/competitive biopolymer. This work was performed with Aber Instruments with further research being conducted in collaboration with AMEC Global Renewables, Kautex-Textron, BASF, Welsh Water, Excelsior Technologies.