Application of a two‐stage temperature control strategy to enhance 1,3‐propanediol productivity by Clostridium butyricum

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present work was to enhance 1,3‐propanediol productivity during the batch cultivation on a type of raw glycerol by application of a two‐stage temperature control strategy. RESULTS: First, the effect of the raw glycerol on microbial growth and 1,3‐propanediol production was investigated. The highest 1,3‐propanediol productivity, 1.93 g L −1 h −1 , was achieved when the initial raw glycerol concentration was 6% (v/v). Second, the effect of temperature on microbial growth and 1,3‐propanediol production was investigated and kinetic analysis was carried out. The results indicated that 37 °C favored microbial growth while 35 °C was best for 1,3‐propanediol production. Finally, a two‐stage temperature control strategy was applied in 1,3‐propanediol production. The incubation temperature was kept at 37 °C from inoculation to 2 h and then switched to 35 °C. Compared with batch cultivations at 35 and 37 °C, the fermentation time was shortened from 10 to 9.2 h, resulting in an increase in 1,3‐propanediol productivity of around 11%. CONCLUSION: 1,3‐propanediol productivity was enhanced effectively by application of a two‐stage temperature control strategy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry