P16: Use of response surface methodology by fumarate addition in 1,3-propanediol production by Klebsiella pneumonie

With the increasing use of biodiesel in the world, there is a widespread availability of glycerol in the market. In Brazil, it is expected a market of 200 thousand tons of biodiesel glycerol from the addition of 5% biodiesel to diesel. Nevertheless, the clarification and purification of raw glycerol is very costly. Its use in crude form to produce high value added chemicals can help reduce the biodiesel price in the market, since storage or disposal costs from raw glycerol is linked to the price of biodiesel. Glycerol biodiesel can be preferably used for producing 1,3-propanediol by Klebsiella pneumoniae. An experimental design was performed to determine whether there is interaction between the added amount of fumarate and the source of carbon and nitrogen in the production of 1,3-propanediol. Cell cultures were grown in 250 ml shake flasks, added of glycerol, yeast extract and fumarate as determined by experimental design and up to 50ml of mineral medium, incubated at 37^oC 150rpm during 24h, and samples were collected every 6h. Glycerol was variable with the most effect in 1,3-propanediol production after 18 h, the greater the concentration of glycerol, higher production. Because the fumarate and glycerol were the only significant variables in the production of 1,3-propanediol, and yeast extract, although statistically significant, has a negative effect on production, and a positive effect on biomass. Because fumarate was statistically significant influence on the production of 1,3-propanediol by Klebsiella pneumoniae its addition to the culture medium is recommended.