033 Production of medium chain carboxylic acids from waste through mixed culture fermentation

Author: Oleśkowicz-Popiel

Abstract: The production of medium chain carboxylic acids (MCCA) through chain elongation in mixed culture fermentation has gained significant attention due to its potential for generating valuable biochemicals from waste streams. One of the most popular among MCCAs is caproate, a six-carbon carboxylate that can be used as a food additive, antibacterial agent, and plant growth promoter, as well as an intermediate component in the production of lubricants, dyes, paint additives, or pharmaceuticals

Related founding:

• Green BioReFarmeries – Small-scale Circular Green Biorefineries for increasing farmer sustainability and competitiveness and building resilient rural areas (Rural BioReFarming) (12.2024 – 11.2028), Role: Task leader, Funding: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking, European Commission,
• Bio-processing based on Microbiome – IN-depth analysis for understanding, cultivation, and Evolutionary improvement of microbial communities (BioMINE) (08.2022 – 07.2026), Role: PI, Funding: National Science Center, Poland.
• Anaerobic biorefinery for resource recovery from waste feedstock (WasteValue) (12.2020 – 04.2024), Role: PI, Funding: Norway Grants, National Center for Research and Development.

Related publications:

• Duber, A., Zagrodnik, R., Juzwa, W., Gutowska, N., Oleskowicz-Popiel, P., Simultaneous medium chain carboxylic acids and 1,3-propanediol production in a bioaugmented lactate-based chain elongation induced with glycerol. Bioresource Technology, 2024, 393, 130123.
• Brodowski, F. , Łężyk, M. , Gutowska, N. , Kabasakal, T. , Oleskowicz-Popiel, P., Influence of lactate to acetate ratio on biological production of medium chain carboxylates via open culture fermentation. Science of the Total Environment, 2022, 851, 158171.
• Duber, A., Zagrodnik, R., Gutowska, N., Łȩżyk, M., Oleskowicz-Popiel, P.: Lactate and Ethanol Chain Elongation in the Presence of Lactose: Insight into Product Selectivity and Microbiome Composition. ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 2022, 10(11), pp. 3407–3416.
• Brodowski, F., Łężyk, M., Gutowska, N., Oleskowicz-Popiel, P. Effect of external acetate on lactate-based carboxylate platform: Shifted lactate overloading limit and hydrogen co-production. Science of the Total Environment 2022, 802, 149885.
• Duber A., Jaroszynski L., Zagrodnik R., Chwialkowska J., Juzwa W., Ciesielski S., Oleskowicz-Popiel P.: Exploiting the real wastewater potential for resource recovery – n-caproate production from acid whey. Green Chemistry 2018, 20, 3790-3803.

Related patents:

• Oleśkowicz-Popiel P., Szczygiełda M., Brodowski F., Gutowska : Method of recovery and concentration of medium chain carboxylic acids.   (patent application filed  EP24172649.6).
• Oleśkowicz-Popiel P., Prusak H., Zagrodnik R., Łężyk M.: Method for succinic acid production using mixed culture fermentation. ( patent application filed 448420).
• Oleśkowicz-Popiel P., Zagrodnik R., Duber A.: Method for one-pot co-production of caproic acid and hydrogen. (patent application pending EP 3 581 659 A1)