Advances in downstream processes and applications of biological carboxylic acids derived from organic wastes

Recovering carboxylic acids derived from organic wastes from fermentation broth is challenging. To provide a reference for future study and industrial application, this review summarized recent advances in recovery technologies of carboxylic acids including precipitation, extraction, adsorption, membrane-based processes, etc. Meanwhile, applications of recovered carboxylic acids are summarized as well to help choose suitable downstream processes according to purity requirement. Integrated processes are required to remove the impurities from the complicated fermentation broth, at the cost of loss and expense. Compared with chemical processes, biological synthesis is better options due to low requirements for the substrates. Generally, the use of toxic agents, consumption of acid/alkaline and membrane fouling hamper the sustainability and scale-up of the downstream processes. Future research on novel solvents and materials will facilitate the sustainable recovery and reduce the cost of the downstream processes.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the recent advances in recovery technologies of carboxylic acids and their applications, providing a reference for future study and industrial application. Integrated processes face the challenges of impurity removal from fermentation broth at the expense of loss and cost. Biological synthesis is a better option compared to chemical processes due to lower substrate requirements. The use of toxic agents, acid/alkaline consumption, and membrane fouling hinder the sustainability and scale-up of the downstream processes. Future research on novel solvents and materials is necessary to achieve sustainable recovery and cost reduction in the downstream processes.