A techno-practical method for overcoming the biotoxicity and volatility obstacles of butanol and butyric acid during whole-cell catalysis by Gluconobacter oxydans

Background Butyric acid is a platform chemical material, the production of which has been greatly stimulated by the diverse range of downstream applications in many industries. In particular, higher quality butyric acid used in food and medicine, is more dependent on microbiological production methods. Hence, the bio-oxidation of butanol to butyric acid has been identified as a promising method with good potential economic and environmental benefits. However, both butanol and butyric acid are usually intensively toxic to most microorganisms as well as the bio-oxidation pathway. To develop a green, efficient and competitive microbiological method is the primary work to overcome the bottleneck of butyric acid industry. Result A combined bioprocess was designed with alternative whole-cell catalysis for butyric acid bio-conversion from butanol by Gluconobacter oxydans in a sealed-oxygen supply bioreactor (SOS). In the operation system, the escape of volatile substrates and toxic chemicals to cells can be avoided by the use of a sealed bioreactor, combined with the rejuvenation of cells by supplying energy co-factors. Finally, during a one-batch whole-cell catalysis, the utilization rate of substrate increased from 56.6 to 96.0% by the simple skill. Additionally, the techno-practical bioprocess can realize the purpose of cell-recycling technology through the rejuvenation effect of co-factor. Finally, we obtained 135.3 g/L butyric acid and 216.7 g/L sorbose during a 60-h whole-cell catalysis. This techno-practical technology provides a promising approach to promote the industrial production of butyric acid with more competitiveness. Conclusion The techno-practical biotechnology has powerfully promoted the process of butyric acid production by microorganisms, especially makes up for the lack of aerobic fermentation in the industry, and surmounts the shortcomings of traditional anaerobic fermentation. At the same time, this technically practical system provides a promising approach for the promotion of the industrial production of butyric acid in a more competitive manner.