PROCESS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES FROM BIOMASS

摘要

An industrial scale batch or semi-continuous batch PHA extraction process wherein the process operating conditions and control may be quantitatively tuned to batch-to-batch variations based on a practical bench scale assessment but more preferably by means of a calibrated chemometric assessment of the biomass quality. Tuning involves the selection of biomass loading conditions that are commensurate with process solvent and PHA type. Batch operating times and temperatures are matched to modelled and monitored extraction kinetics. PHA-rich solvent gelation is exploited by controlling PHA-rich solvent gel formation. In combination a process Is disclosed that permits for robust and consistent recovered product quality control while at the same time enabling to improve overall process economics.