Continuous gas processing without bubbles using thin liquid film bioreactors containing biocomposite biocatalysts

摘要

Energy efficient continuous microbial gas processing without bubbles is possible with a uniform -300 μm thick faling film, plug flow bioreactor (FFBR). Power input is minimized by laminar wavy flow(Re <200) over a rough hydrophilic paper surface coated with concentrated living. ncn-growing microbes — a biocomposite biocatalyst Falling Sims can increase mass transfer rates >100 fold compared to bubble aeration, decrease reactor volume, decrease gas-liquid (G-L) mass transfer energy input, decreese water use. end increase secreted product concentration Paper roughness enhances gas-liquid-microbe (G-L-S) mass transfer which is simulated using a 2D finite element method (FEM) CFD model (COMSOL). The paper functions as a separation device, the cells are retained and sedated products continuously removed Microbes concentrated in paper biocomposites take up gas at higher rales than suspended cells at low mass transfer power input. This also increases specific activity for soma photosynthetic rganisms We are investigating FFBR biocomposite biocatalyst proof-of-concept using a 0.9 m. 0.04 m~2 prototype cylindrical paper bioreactor. Mode) systems we investigate include Clostridium Ijungdahlii OTA1 (absorbing CO from syn-gas). Methylomicrobium alkaliphilum 20Z (absorbing CH_4 in air), and cyanobacteria or microalgae (absorbing CO_2) Critical are coating microstructure. wet microbe adhesion (latex binders, engineering the surface of the microbes), surviving osmotic shock in coating formulation/controlled drying (lyoprotectants). and desiccation tolerance to prolonged dry storage. Spatially correlated Raman micro spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging have been developed as a method to monitor the distribution of residual water surrounding and within the cells The distnbution of vitrified residual water may contribute to desiccation resistance This technology may also be applied to a spinning disk bioreactor (SDBR). that enhance mass transfer by reducing liquid film thickness to < 100 μm with wave induced turbulent flow using centrifugal force (1000× g).