69f Stimulation of Microbial Metabolism In Biofilms

Hung Duc Nguyen, School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, PO Box 642710, Pullman, WA 99164-2710 and Haluk Beyenal, School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State Univeristy, PO Box 642710, Pullman, WA 99164-2710.

Biofilms are used for many different bioprocesses. Although their use in biobased fuels or biochemical productions have been suggested, there have not been any detailed researches demonstrating how biofilms can be used. Our research group has extensive research experience on biofilm processes. Recently we developed a new biofilm reactor which can be used in biobased chemical or biofuel production. This presentation focuses on the design and use of biofilm reactors for biobased chemicals. Our experimental results demonstrated that biofilm processes can improve productivity of the selected process. We suggest biofilm technology as an effective alternative to classical suspended culture bioprocess for biofuel or biochemical production.