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Byproducts of glycerol metabolized by bacterium

IP Title

Byproducts of glycerol metabolized by bacterium

Detailed Technology Description

None

Application Date

Sep 6, 2014

Application No.

9,328,360

Others

*Abstract

With the recent surge in biodiesel production, glycerol has gone from a relatively rare commodity to a heavily overproduced waste product. Many major chemical and agriculture companies have been attempting to find high yielding conversions for glycerol. One of the major processes is the conversion of glycerol into 1,3-propanediol byway of microbial metabolism. There has been success in identifying strains of microorganisms that can conduct this reaction; however, it may not be commercially feasible as the raw glycerol product needs to be treated. For economic feasibility, the process must be able to convert the raw glycerol product into 1,3-propanediol with limited treatment. We have identified a species of Halanaerobium that can convert glycerol into 1,3-propanediol at a pH of ~10.5-11 and at a salt concentration of approximately 7% (w/v), conditions that are similar to that of raw glycerol. Furthermore, with supplementation of vitamin B12 (an essential component of the enzymatic reaction), the yield of 1,3-propanediol to glycerol can be increased to at least .47/1 mol to mol.

*IP Issue Date

May 3, 2016

*Principal Investigator

Name: Melanie Mormile, Associate Professor

Department:

Name: OLIVER SITTON

Department:

Name: Daniel Roush, GRA

Department:

Name: Dwayne Elias

Department:

Country/Region

USA