FERMENTATION BASED ON HYDROLYZED CORN AND/OR SUGAR CANE MASH TO PRODUCE PROPIONIC ACID

摘要

A process to prepare propionic acid comprises preparing a fermentation broth of water; at least 30 weight percent hydrolyzed corn mash solids, hydrolyzed sugar cane mash solids, or a combination thereof, based on the combined weight of the fermentation broth as a whole; and propionibacteria; without including the typical, frequently very costly supplementation with vitamin and mineral packages. Surprisingly, these mash solids, which must often be disposed of following syrup production, are capable of supplying the nitrogen, micronutrients, vitamins and minerals known to be needed for propionibacteria fermentation, making their sole or significant use as fermentation mediums far more economical and therefore desirable than other fermentation mediums which require supplementation.

主权项

1. A process to prepare propionic acid comprising
(a) preparing a fermentation broth comprising water; at least 30 weight percent of hydrolyzed corn mash solids, hydrolyzed sugar cane mash solids, or a combination thereof, based on weight of the fermentation broth as a whole; and propionibacteria; wherein supplemental sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and combinations thereof are not present in total in an amount greater than 0.19 weight percent, based on weight of the fermentation broth as a whole; and wherein supplemental sources of biotin, thiamine, riboflavin, cyanocobalamin, pantothenic acid, and combinations thereof are not present in total in an amount greater than 0.0001 weight percent, based on weight of the fermentation broth as a whole; and (b) allowing the fermentation broth to ferment under conditions suitable to form propionic acid.