863 Project [2006AA020103]; NNSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China) [21076172]; University of science and technology in Fujian province [2010H6023]BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present work was to enhance 1,3-propanediol productivity during the batch cultivation on a type of raw glycerol by application of a two-stage temperature control strategy. RESULTS: First, the effect of the raw glycerol on microbial growth and 1,3-propanediol production was investigated. The highest 1,3-propanediol productivity, 1.93 g L1 h1, was achieved when the initial raw glycerol concentration was 6% (v/v). Second, the effect of temperature on microbial growth and 1,3-propanediol production was investigated and kinetic analysis was carried out. The results indicated that 37 degrees C favored microbial growth while 35 degrees C was best for 1,3-propanediol production. Finally, a two-stage temperature control strategy was applied in 1,3-propanediol production. The incubation temperature was kept at 37 degrees C from inoculation to 2 h and then switched to 35 degrees C. Compared with batch cultivations at 35 and 37 degrees C, the fermentation time was shortened from 10 to 9.2 h, resulting in an increase in 1,3-propanediol productivity of around 11%. CONCLUSION: 1,3-propanediol productivity was enhanced effectively by application of a two-stage temperature control strategy. (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industr
