Industrial Application of Electro-Fermentation for Biochemical Synthesis
摘要
The relationship between the biochemical and electrochemical reactions assists in overcoming the thermodynamic restriction of conventional fermentation processes, intending toward redox-balancing and simultaneously synchronizing the electro-metabolic pathways of unique biobased products. Fermentation has been rudimentary in food and beverages (ethanol, wine, beer, fermented milk, etc.), antibiotic generation (penicillin, streptomycin, etc.), whole microbial cells (probiotics), solvent generation (ethanol, butanol, acetone, etc.), wastewater treatment, biopolymer synthesis [polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)], flavor and perfume synthesis, vitamins (B3, B12, C etc.), enzyme production, and cosmetics formation (skincare serum). Bioalcohals are sustainable, ecological, high-octane, and low-carbon vehicle fuel, fundamentally extracted from the monosaccharides (sugars), and polysaccharides (starches and cellulosic matter) found in plants generated sustainably from electro-fermentation (EF). Methanogens typically use hydrogen, formate, and acetate from pure chemicals or different biowastes as substrates to create biomethane which is further used as fuel in households. As the world is heading toward drastic climate change, alternative sources of energy are required. Hydrogen (H2) being the cleanest fuel can be produced by MEC and MFC using microalgae sustainably. EF is a versatile process used in acid and alcohol generation which is further used in cosmetic production like haircare body lotions and hair serums. It is important to realize that EF-based technology (as it has been created thus far) may not be able to function as a stand-alone process and, as a result, may not have the capacity to completely replace the current methodology; rather, it will need the assistance of other techniques to reach greater efficiency. Soon, integrated bioprocesses might be useful for treating wastewater and waste materials while sustainably generating bioenergy.