Proposition of cost-effective industrial grade medium for synthesis gas fermentation through evaluation of economic feasibility

Abstract

This work aims to construct a cost-effective medium for industrial application using sludge filtrate obtained from a sewage treatment plant, instead of yeast extract (which is conventionally used in laboratory media) for synthesis gas fermentation using the acetogenic strain, Eubacterium limosum KIST612. Synthesis gas fermentation using the developed medium was successfully without significant deterioration in product formation or a lack of essential minerals, despite not using yeast extract. The economic feasibility of using sludge filtrate-containing medium, compared with that of using yeast extract-containing medium was analyzed; the cost of the medium reduced by 84 % and the acetate titer increased by 130 %. The results revealed that sludge filtrate is a cost-effective industrial-grade medium for syngas fermentation using E. limosum KIST612, and can replace yeast extract. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd