Work plan > WP 2
Control of targeted volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and tailored polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production from CPS, extraction and purification (PHAs from pure strain and microbial mixed cultures)
This work package is designed to achieve Objectives 1 (OB1) and 2 (OB2) by targeting VFAs and tailoring PHAs production from CPS.
Produce targeted VFAs and tailored PHA using a novelty method controlled by ORP. The effect of different process parameters, such as temperature, pH, type of pre-treatment and total solid concentration was observed to play an important role for the production yields of target VFAs from CPS, although the inclusion of the ORP has not yet been considered. Laboratory experiments of controlled acidogenic fermentation will be implemented to obtain continuous production of targeted VFAs from CPS.
Preliminary batch experiments carry out in 2-chamber (H type) cells made with borosilicate glass and equipped with an anodic and cathodic compartment separated by a proton exchange membrane. The effect of the VFAs production yield and the related composition will be evaluated under different cathode potential.
50% of the fermentation effluent will be used for the extraction and purification of the VFAs into a platform of chemicals.
50% will be used to produce PHAs from mixed and pure cultures.