PROCESS FOR PERFORMING BIOCATALYTIC REACTIONS IN A FLUIDIZED BED REACTOR WITH A SYSTEM OF TWO LIQUID PHASES

摘要

A process for reacting substrates with biocatalysts in a two-phase liquid system disposed in a columnar vessel having a top portion with an exit opening and a first filter disposed therein, a bottom portion with an entrance opening and a second filter disposed therein, a feed line connecting the exit and entrance openings, and a pump disposed in the feed line. The process comprises the steps of: stirring the two-phase liquid in the columnar vessel to accelerate sedimentation and minimize accumulation of the biocatalysts in the top portion of the vessel; selectively controlling the temperature of the two-phase liquid within the vessel; drawing, with the pump, a portion of the two-phase liquid through the exit opening and first filter; and passing the drawn-off portion of the two-phase liquid through the feed line and through the entrance opening and second filter into the vessel to enhance miscibility of the individual phases of the two-phase liquid with the vessel.