BARC/PUB/2011/0221

 
 

Alkyl-methylimidazolium ionic liquids affect the growth and fermentative metabolism of Clostridium sp.

 
     
 
Author(s)

Nancharaiah, Y. V.; Francis, A. J.

Source

Bioresource Technology, 2011. Vol. 102 (11): pp. 6573-6578

ABSTRACT

In this study, the effect of ionic liquids, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM][Ac], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate [EMIM][DEP], and 1-methyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate [MMIM][DMP] on the growth and glucose fermentation of Clostridium sp. was investigated. Among the three ionic liquids tested, [MMIM][DMP] was found to be least toxic. Growth of Clostridium sp. Was not inhibited up to 2.5, 4 and 4 g L-1 of [EMIM][Ac], [EMIM][DEP] and [MMIM][DMP], respectively. [EMIM][Ac] at <2.5 g L-1, showed hormetic effect and stimulated the growth and fermentation by modulating medium pH. Total organic acid production increased in the presence of 2.5 and 2 g L-1 of [EMIM][Ac] and [MMIM][DMP]. Ionic liquids had no significant influence on alcohol production at <2.5 g L_1. Total gas production was affected by ILs at ≥2.5 g L-1 and varied with type of methylimidazolium IL. Overall, the results show that the growth and fermentative metabolism of Clostridium sp. is not impacted by ILs at concentrations below 2.5 g L_1.

 
 
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