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

For further information please 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