Statistical analysis on the variables affecting itaconic acid separation by bipolar membrane electrodialysis

Abstract

Itaconic acid (IA) is a well-known, unsaturated, dicarboxylic acid. It is widely used in plastic industry as a co-polymer. Nowadays the itaconic acid is mainly produced by fermentation. Due to the product inhibition effect during the batch operation, the continuous/semi-continuous separation of itaconic acid from the fermentation broth is highly desired. The electrodialysis seems to be a promising alternative. The effect of three parameters, namely initial itaconic acid concentration, pH, and applied potential on the efficacy of the electrodialysis were studied. More than 90% of current efficiency could be achieved by changing of the main factors mentioned above. From the results it is clear, that electrodialysis with bipolar membrane is an adequate method for the separation of itaconic acid.