Biofilm-based immobilisation of strains for the production of succinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass sugars
- Project lead
- Yongqiang Liu
- Institute
- University of Southampton
Summary:
Lignocellulosic biomass, which includes non-food plant materials such as wood, grass, agricultural residues and some biowaste, is the most abundant and renewable source of sugars. However, harnessing lignocellulosic biomass for industrial fermentation remains challenging.
This project is dedicated to advancing sustainable succinic acid (SA) production from biomass through fermentation by developing an innovative biofilm-based technology. SA is a crucial building-block chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. The project employs a novel method where specific microbial strains are immobilized in biofilms, overcoming the drawbacks of conventional immobilisation methods such as complexity, high costs, and reduced microbial sugar uptake and activity. The project merges two major needs, utilising sugar-rich hydrolysates from lignocellulosic biomass and direct CO2 fixation via SA metabolic pathways with the innovative development of biofilm-based immobilisation techniques for SA production. This method improves the economic feasibility of bio-based SA production and diminishes environmental impacts. In addition, it offers the potential for integrating SA production into anaerobic digestion plants for biogas upgrading to methane. The project promotes greener and more sustainable industrial biotechnology (IB).
Situated within the scope of IB, our project aligns with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council criteria for Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy funding. It exemplifies the core goals of IB by integrating biological systems and advanced engineering to convert renewable resources into high-value chemicals, thus supporting the transition towards a bio-based economy and enhancing the UK’s capabilities in sustainable industrial practices.
Aims
The project aimed to develop a novel method where specific microbial strains are immobilized in biofilms, overcoming the drawbacks of conventional immobilisation methods such as complexity, high costs, and reduced microbial sugar uptake and activity.
Outcomes
The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using biofilm-based fermentation for succinic acid production. Experimental studies established optimal conditions for biofilm formation and identified key factors influencing process performance. Preliminary results showed that biofilm-based systems potentially improved tolerance to inhibitory compounds commonly found in biomass-derived feedstocks compared with traditional free-cell fermentation.
Continuous fermentation trials provided valuable insights into carbon utilisation efficiency and process robustness, contributing to a better understanding of biofilm dynamics under operational conditions. Although further optimisation on biofilm control is required, the findings confirm the potential of biofilm-based fermentation as a more resilient and sustainable alternative for organic acid production.
The project has generated a strong foundation for future research to advance biofilm process engineering and explore integration with industrial applications.
Impact
This research demonstrates a promising route toward low-carbon, bio-based chemical production. By improving process stability and enabling the use of renewable feedstocks, the biofilm-based approach supports the UK’s transition to a circular bioeconomy and lays the groundwork for future industrial and academic collaboration.
Academic partners: Yongqiang Liu, University of Southampton
Industrial partners: Nick Thompson, Fiberight Ltd.
