Succinic acid production and recovery by fermentation: Integration of CO2 capture and glycerol valorization

• Grant number: 25/09233-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Diego Andrade Lemos
• Grantee: Diego Andrade Lemos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Carlos
• Associated researchers: Alberto Colli Badino Junior ; Antonio José Gonçalves da Cruz ; Jorge Pereira
• Associated scholarship(s): 26/19449-8 - Use of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the production of succinic acid via extractive fermentation, BP.MS

Abstract

The capture and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the main greenhouse gases, have been the focus of research in the search for sustainable solutions, as well as the valorization of glycerol for biotechnological processes. The production of organic acids, such as succinic acid, has seen increasing demand due to its applications in the biodegradable polymer, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. This versatile chemical intermediate enables the synthesis of various products, and although conventionally synthesized through chemical processes, the fermentative route stands out for using renewable raw materials, such as glycerol, and fixing CO2, making it competitive. Specific bacterial strains produce succinic and acetic acids as major products, as well as ethanol and lactic acid under anaerobic conditions. Glycerol, an abundant byproduct of biodiesel production, offers a higher yield of succinic acid and a better succinic acid/acetic acid ratio compared to glucose. This project aims to develop an integrated bioprocess to capture residual CO2 and utilize glycerol in non-conventional bioreactors, which are attractive due to their low cost and energy consumption, for the production of succinic acid and co-products. The effect of substrate concentration on cell growth and succinic acid yield will be evaluated. Subsequently, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient of CO2 (kLaCO2) will be determined in a bubble column bioreactor, and the production and separation of succinic acid via liquid-liquid extraction will be tested, identifying suitable solvents. Finally, simulations and mathematical models will be proposed to analyze techno-economic and environmental feasibility on an industrial scale. (AU)