Fed-batch fermentation of nipa sap to acetic acid by Moorella thermoacetica (f. Clostridium thermoaceticum)

An efficient process for conversion of nipa sap to acetic acid was developed. Nipa sap was hydrolyzed with invertase and provided glucose as well as fructose as main sugars. Batch fermentation of glucose and fructose was inadequate with increased substrate concentration. By contrast, fed-batch technique on hydrolyzed nipa sap with high feeding rate drastically increased acetic acid concentration and productivity to be 42.6 g/L and 0.18 g/(L/h), respectively. All the sugars in hydrolyzed nipa sap were consumed, with acetic acid yield of 0.87 g/g sugar. Overall, nipa sap as hydrolyzed with invertase was efficiently fermented to acetic acid, which is a valuable chemical and a potential biorefinery intermediate.