Methods of feedstock conversion using a biofilm bioreactor
Described herein are biofilm bioreactors for synthesis at the interface between two liquids, and methods of using such bioreactors for the biotransformation of feedstocks into chemical products. Also contemplated is the extraction of such products.
1 . A method of converting a hydrophobic feedstock into aqueous phase product, the method comprising:
providing a bioreactor comprising a living microorganism capable of producing a water-soluble product;
circulating nutritive media through the bioreactor to establish a biofilm of the microorganism;
introducing both an aqueous solution and a hydrophobic feedstock into the bioreactor, wherein the aqueous solution provides supplemental nutrients to the microorganism, and wherein the feedstock is provided in the form of particles serving as substrates for growth of the microorganism;
allowing the microorganism to convert the hydrophobic feedstock into the product; and then
recovering the product from the aqueous solution.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the recovering the product involves use of a phase separator.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the microorganism is provided in the form of a solid support coated in a lyophilized biofilm of the microorganism.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein electron transfer to or from a conductive solid support allows for increased productivity of the biofilm.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said bioreactor comprises:
a column comprising a substrate coated with a biofilm comprising hydrocarbonoclastic and/or oleaginous organisms; and
a phase separator operably connected to receive said aqueous solution and said hydrophobic feedstock from the column.
6 . A method of converting a hydrophobic feedstock into aqueous phase product, the method comprising:
providing a bioreactor comprising a living microorganism capable of producing a water-soluble product;
circulating nutritive media through the bioreactor to establish a biofilm of the microorganism;
introducing both an aqueous solution and a hydrophobic feedstock into the bioreactor, wherein the aqueous solution provides supplemental nutrients to the microorganism;
allowing the microorganism to convert the hydrophobic feedstock into the product; and then
recovering the product from the aqueous solution through a phase separator.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the microorganism is provided in the form of a solid support coated in a lyophilized biofilm of the microorganism.
8 . The method of claim 6 , wherein electron transfer to or from a conductive solid support allows for increased productivity of the biofilm.
9 . The method of claim 6 , wherein said bioreactor comprises:
a column comprising a substrate coated with a biofilm comprising hydrocarbonoclastic and/or oleaginous organisms; and
wherein the phase separator is operably connected to receive said aqueous solution and said hydrophobic feedstock from the column.
10 . A method of converting a hydrophobic feedstock into aqueous phase product, the method comprising:
providing a bioreactor comprising a living microorganism capable of producing a water-soluble product, wherein the microorganism is provided in the form of a solid support coated in a lyophilized biofilm of the microorganism;
circulating nutritive media through the bioreactor to establish a biofilm of the microorganism;
introducing both an aqueous solution and a hydrophobic feedstock into the bioreactor, wherein the aqueous solution provides supplemental nutrients to the microorganism;
allowing the microorganism to convert the hydrophobic feedstock into the product; and then
recovering the product from the aqueous solution.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the recovering the product involves use of a phase separator.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein electron transfer to or from a conductive solid support allows for increased productivity of the biofilm.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said bioreactor comprises:
a column comprising a substrate coated with a biofilm comprising hydrocarbonoclastic and/or oleaginous organisms; and
a phase separator operably connected to receive said aqueous solution and said hydrophobic feedstock from the column.