Medicinal
Technologies-
Improvements in Sorbitol to Sorbose Bioconversion
Process
Introduction
Sorbose is an important intermediate
in vitamin C synthesis. Industrially it is produced
by batch oxidation of D-sorbitol to L-sorbose by Acetobacter
suboxydans. It is a simple oxidatron but very difficult
chemically. The fermentation process features substrate
inhibition and poses the problem of oxygen supply at
high sorbose formation rates. Substrate inhibition problem
have been addressed by designing model based, fed batch
fermentations which were implemented to improve productivity
of fermentation. A computer interface between the nutrient
pump and the computer was fabricated which is capable
to implement all types of nutrient feeding profiles.
Oxygen limitation problem was eliminated by the addition
of oxygen vector in the fermentation broth. Higher accumulation
of sorbose and improved productivity was achieved by
above modifications in the conventional batch process
Special Features:
The developed technology can be implemented in
the existing plant conditions without major modifications
or investments.
Prospective
Users: Vitamin industry, chemical industry.
Keywords:
Sorbose fermentation, sorbitol
Developed by : Dr. K A Srivastava
Department: Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Contact:
Managing Director
Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT)
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
Tel : 91-011-26597167, 26857762, 26581013, 26597153
Fax : 91-011-26851169
E-mail : drkdpn@gmail.com
