Bioreactor design for the production of microbial polysaccharides

Abstract

A wide diversity of microorganisms have demonstrated the capability to secrete exopolysaccharides (EPS), however, only limited bacterial (e.g., dextran, levan, xanthan) and fungal (e.g., pullulan) EPS are commercially exploited. EPS producers like endophytes, microalgae, extremophiles, and cyanobacteria have been the subject of extensive research in recent years. These studies have shown that such microbial systems have a great potential for producing biopolymers with new chemical structures and distinct functional properties. The production of EPS requires specific bioreactor design and bioprocess conditions. An increase in the production of exopolysaccharide curdlan by Alcaligenes faecalis and Agrobacterium radiobacter was achieved by low-shear mixing through low-shear (high-pumping) axial-flow impellers. “Rushton turbine” impellers are also efficient at providing the high oxygen transfer rates required for high cell density fermentations. Distinct bioreactor designs may aid in an extensive control and customized optimization of bioprocess parameters for EPS production from bioreactors. Stirred tank reactors (STRs) with the advantage of good mixing properties, volumetric productivities in contrast to high energy cost for agitation and oxygen supply, airlift bioreactors (ALRs) with the advantage of reduced energy input with efficient heat transfer and multiple other aspects of the different bioreactor are discussed in this chapter in detail. Moreover, numerous stirrer designs for microbial polysaccharide production are presented. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Parmjit Singh Panesar and Sanjeet Mehariya

individual chapters, the contributors. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Parmjit Singh Panesar and Sanjeet Mehariya

individual chapters, the contributors. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Parmjit Singh Panesar and Sanjeet Mehariya

individual chapters, the contributors.