Innovation of Expanded-Bed Adsorption by Integrating Simulated Moving-Bed Technology

Abstract

Bio-based industries need efficient downstream solutions to process complex streams. This was addressed through a technology integration approach, where expanded-bed adsorption (EBA) is integrated with simulated moving-bed (SMB) technology. Current work involved adaptation of an SMB apparatus and control principle to implement expanded-bed level control. As an outcome, EBA-SMB technology was successfully applied for purification of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This resulted in two-fold increase in productivity and a GABA purity ≥ 92 % in one step from unclarified fermentation broth, compared to ≥ 93 % purity in case of clarified broth and packed-bed SMB. These results proved that EBA-SMB technology is able to enhance process efficiency and economics of bioprocesses.