Method for producing fermentative granular sludge for enhanced bioprocess efficiency

This invention introduces an effective in situ granulation method that transforms non-granular microbiomes into granular forms suitable for bioprocess applications. The approach has significant potential to advance anaerobic biotechnologies, particularly in systems designed for energy recovery or th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Carla Flores-Rodriguez, Oscar Fernando Herrera Adarme, Gustavo Mockaitis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-12-01
Series:Invention Disclosure
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772444125000060
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This invention introduces an effective in situ granulation method that transforms non-granular microbiomes into granular forms suitable for bioprocess applications. The approach has significant potential to advance anaerobic biotechnologies, particularly in systems designed for energy recovery or the production of high-value biochemicals from organic waste streams, while simultaneously reducing carbonaceous contaminants to support carbon neutrality and mitigate global climate change. This capability is attributed to fermentative granular microbiomes, whose dense and compact structures harbor specialized microbial consortia capable of efficiently degrading organic matter. The present invention proposes a methodology that integrates microbial preconditioning for extreme environments, fermentable substrates to promote granulation, and electrical stimulation to accelerate the process. This strategy is readily applicable in standard reactors currently in use. Its prospective applications lay the groundwork for single-platform biorefineries spanning sectors such as wastewater treatment, VFA-to-biochemicals conversion, digestate upcycling, biogas-to-power (biomethane and biohydrogen), and specialty chemicals production, including bioplastics and green solvents.
ISSN:2772-4441