초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Fumaric acid is an important building-block chemical. The production of fumaric acid by fermentation is possible. Loofah fiber is a natural, biodegradable, renewable polymer material with highly sophisticated and pore structure. This work investigated a new immobilization method using loofah fiber as carrier to produce fumaric acid in a stirred-tank reactor. Compared with other carriers, loofah fiber was proven to be efficiently and successfully used in the reactor. After the optimization process, 20g addition of loofah fiber and 400rpm agitation speed were chosen as the most suitable process conditions. 30.3g/L fumaric acid in the broth as well as 19.16g fumaric acid in the precipitation of solid was achieved, while the yield from glucose reached 0.211g/g. Three batches of fermentation using the same loofah fiber carrier were conducted successfully, which meant it provided a new method to produce fumaric acid in a stirred-tank reactor.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A new method to produce fumaric acid in a stirred-tank reactor was investigated. </LI> <LI> The addition of loofah fiber and the agitation speed in reactor were optimized. </LI> <LI> 30.3g/L and 19.16g fumaric acid in the broth and the precipitate were achieved. </LI> <LI> Three batched fermentation in a stirred-tank reactor were successfully conducted. </LI> </UL> </P>