Gas fermentation, a process in which microorganisms convert waste gases into commodity chemicals, has the potential to inexpensively manufacture sustainable bio-based materials and fuels to help create a circular bioeconomy. In response to industry requests, ABPDU has purchased, installed, and commissioned gas fermentation equipment with internal Berkeley Lab funding. This capability now enables ABPDU’s industrial collaborators to pursue process development and scale-up projects involving the bioconversion of gaseous feedstocks.
The equipment includes eight 500ml pressurizable gas fermentors and a 20L bioreactor, as well as associated gas supply, gas analysis, and safety infrastructure.
“We received feedback from our industry collaborators, particularly at our Industry Listening Day in 2019, that they were interested in having access to a gas fermentation process development and scale-up capability,” said Eric Sundstrom, Staff Scientist and Principal Investigator at the ABPDU. “We’re excited to be able to offer this capability that aligns with several Department of Energy priorities, including biomass utilization, CO2 utilization, and generation of sustainable aviation fuels and sustainable materials.”
