Chain elongation reactor microbiomes produce valuable medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) from non-sterile residual substrates where lactate is a relevant intermediate. Gas supply has been shown to impact chain elongation performance. In the present study, the effect of nitrogen gas (N2) supply on lactate metabolism, conversion rates, biomass growth and microbiome composition was evaluated in a lactate-fed upflow anaerobic reactor with continuous or intermittent N2 gas supply.
- Microbial chain elongation
- n-Caproate production process
- n-Caproic acid (CA)
- Propionate
- n-Heptanoate