Addressing the challenge of optimum polyhydroxyalkanoate harvesting: Monitoring real time process kinetics and biopolymer accumulation using dielectric spectroscopy

► Dielectric spectroscopy was used for on-line monitoring of PHA production kinetics. ► The tool proved to be able to monitor real time cell growth and PHA production. ► Optimal PHA harvesting time was also able to be determined in real-time. ► The tool was valuable in improving process understanding and optimization. ► Benefits expected in terms of economic and environmental full-scale PHA production.