Extractive Fermentation Processes: Modes of Operation and Application

Bioprocesses can be hampered by product concentrations within a fermentation leading to product-inhibition, and reductions in yield and productivity. This limitation impacts operational considerations, process economics, and viability, and, ultimately, whether a technology is industrially viable. One approach to circumventing these concerns is in situ extraction of products. In this way, the organism is no longer exposed to the inhibitory product, and fermentation can proceed, often at improved rates. Significant advances in this field have been made in recent years, however, they are for the most part siloed into sub-fields (focusing on the product extracted, or the method of extraction). This review considers in situ extraction more holistically in terms of i) the separation methodology, ii) the mode of reactor operation, and iii) the physical reactor configuration. The summary hopes to give insight into promising areas for research and potentially spark ideas for novel in situ extractive processes.