Medium chain carboxylic acid production from agro-food residues for biomaterials Jan 2013 - 2017 Researcher Supervisors Promotor Mark Roghair MSc Dr. ir. David Strik Prof. dr. ir. Cees Buisman * Dr. ir. Marieke Bruins * Dr. ir. Ruud Weusthuis Motivation Medium-chain-length carboxylic acids are important building blocks for polymers and resins. Conventional production processes of these chemicals have the disadvantage that petrochemical or food compounds are used as substrate. The use of agricultural residues or municipal solid waste as feedstock for the production of these (bio-based) chemicals is a promising alternative. However, the utilization of these waste streams into bio-based chemicals can only be feasible when an energy efficient process is used. Technological challenge In this project, a novel, economic and eco-friendly bioprocess concept for the production of medium- chain-length carboxylic acids will be developed. The technological challenge is to find process conditions for the fermentation and downstream processing (DSP) steps that result in an efficient medium chain carboxylic acid production from agro- food residues. Ideally, the process involves high production rates and high conversion efficiencies while a minimal input of energy and additives is required. Other design criteria include high purification efficiencies and a minimal formation of waste or co-products. The first step in this process involves the anaerobic digestion of low-grade biomass into mainly volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Subsequently, the VFAs are separated and fermented to medium chain carboxylic acids such as caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid and pelargonic acid in a second anaerobic mixed culture fermentation step. Finally, Website: the fermented products are purified in several DSP http://www.wageningenur.nl/ete steps. CV Researcher; Mark Roghair Graduated; Wageningen University, Biotechnology (2012) Hobbies; Reading, Techno music & festivals, Work e-mail; [email protected] tel; 06-45892353 * Members of Biobased Commodity Chemistry (BCH) .