Enhanced mass transfer rate of methane via hollow fiber membrane modules for Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b fermentation

• Hollow fiber membranes were used to enhance mass transfer rate of methane in water.
• Small pore size and high contact area of membranes enhanced mass transfer rate.
• Cell growth rate and maximum optical density of methanotroph was also increased.

Polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membranes were employed to enhance mass transfer rate of methane in water for the fermentation of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Compared to common alumina bubbler, hollow fiber membrane modules (HFMMs) afforded smaller methane bubble size and larger methane–water volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) as high as 150.1 h−1. Furthermore, cell growth rate and maximum optical density of M. trichosporium OB3b were increased by 67.3 and 77.4%, respectively, by adapting forty HFMMs, compared to those of alumina bubbler.

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