Bioconversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol: A mathematical model-based nutrient feeding approach for high production using Clostridium diolis

1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) is a bifunctional organic compound of particular importance in the polymer industry for the synthesis of polyesters, polyethers and polyurethanes. Its biotechnological production from glycerol features inherent problems of nutrient limitation and inhibition(s) by substrate and product. In the present study 1,3-PD batch mathematical model developed using average batch kinetics data and independently obtained inhibition data was used to identify fresh nutrient feeding strategies (off-line on the computer) for enhanced production of 1,3-PD. Experimental implementation of one such model-based fed-batch cultivation strategy involving pseudo-steady state of substrate featured a 1,3-PD concentration of 63.5 g/L with a 1,3-PD productivity of 1.35 g/L/h which were significantly higher than batch fermentation results. This demonstrated the potential application of developed model for the design of suitable nutrient feeding strategies for high production of 1,3-PD. The methodology can also be easily adopted for other cultivations.