16 research outputs found
Ultrasonic intensification as a tool for enhanced microbial biofuel yields
peer-reviewedUltrasonication has recently received attention as a novel bioprocessing tool for process intensification in many areas
of downstream processing. Ultrasonic intensification (periodic ultrasonic treatment during the fermentation process)
can result in a more effective homogenization of biomass and faster energy and mass transfer to biomass over short
time periods which can result in enhanced microbial growth. Ultrasonic intensification can allow the rapid selective
extraction of specific biomass components and can enhance product yields which can be of economic benefit. This
review focuses on the role of ultrasonication in the extraction and yield enhancement of compounds from various
microbial sources, specifically algal and cyanobacterial biomass with a focus on the production of biofuels. The
operating principles associated with the process of ultrasonication and the influence of various operating conditions
including ultrasonic frequency, power intensity, ultrasonic duration, reactor designs and kinetics applied for ultrasonic
intensification are also described