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Microbubble has been applied for the recovery of yeast cells from their growth medium using the bioflocculant–chitosan. Results reaching 99% cell recovery were obtained under various conditions examined. The result of bubble size distribution showed that mean bubble size increased as microbubble diffuser pore size was increased. Also, cell recovery efficiency was a function of both bubble size and particle size (cell size). For smaller particles (<50 μm), relatively smaller bubbles (<80 μm) were found to be more effective for recovery, otherwise, relatively larger bubbles (80–150 μm) proved to be efficient in recovering larger particles (particle size: ∼250 μm). Acidic and neutral pHs were effective in separation as hydrophobic particles were formed. As pH tends toward alkalinity, flocs become more hydrophilic, leading to low recovery from the aqueous solution. In addition, separation efficiency was dependent on flocculant dose as increase in concentration improved flocculation and consequently, yeast recovery. However, above a critical concentration, overdosing occurred and inadvertently, recovery efficiency decreased. The application of chitosan as a bioflocculant and the subsequent application of microflotation for the separation of yeast cells proved effective and promises several advantages over non-bubble based separation techniques that preclude continuous industrial-scale production.
Author(s): Hanotu J, Karunakaran E, Bandulasena H, Biggs CA, Zimmerman WBJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Biochemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2014
Volume: 85
Pages: 174-182
Print publication date: 15/01/2014
Online publication date: 06/11/2013
Acceptance date: 23/10/2013
ISSN (print): 1369-703X
ISSN (electronic): 1873-295X
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2013.10.019
DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2013.10.019
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