초록
<P>We had extracted <I>n</I>-caproate from bioreactor broth. Here, we introduced in-line membrane electrolysis that utilized a pH gradient between two chambers to transfer the product into undissociated <I>n</I>-caproic acid without chemical addition. Due to the low maximum solubility of this acid, selective phase separation occurred, allowing simple product separation into an oily liquid containing ∼90% <I>n</I>-caproic and <I>n</I>-caprylic acid.</P><BR><BR><P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>A membrane electrolysis system that was coupled with a bioreactor and pertraction system accomplished phase separation of oil, which consisted of >90% medium-chain carboxylic acids, without addition of chemicals.<BR><IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c5cc01897h'><BR></P>