Valorization of macroalga Saccharina latissima as novel feedstock for fermentation-based succinic acid production in a biorefinery approach and economic aspects

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the macroalga Saccharina latissima as feedstock for fermentation-based succinic acid production in a biorefinery approach. Seasonal variations in the content of carbohydrates, and fermentable sugars, had a significant impact on the succinic acid yield and titer. A maximum succinic acid yield of 91.9% (g g(-1) of total sugars) corresponding to 70.5% of the theoretical maximum yield was achieved when a blend of macroalgal biomass cultivated over two growing seasons and harvested in July and August was used as feedstock. A succinic acid titer of 36.8 g L-1 with a maximum productivity of 3.9 g L-1 h(-1) was achieved. The high content of total phenolic compounds (TPCs) in the macroalgal biomass (July-August: 5-1% DM), and high concentration of macro- (Ca, K, Na, Mg, P, N and Fe) and micronutrients in the solid residue recovered after enzymatic hydrolysis (PHSR), makes co-production of antioxidants (i.e. phenolics) and fertilizer very attractive. Finally, a simplified economic assessment showed that for the analyzed scenarios the main product's selling price (succinic acid) can be lowered significantly by coproducing added value products (fertilizers) and high added value-lower volume products (antioxidants). Crown Copyright (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.