ABSTRACT
Extraction with nonaqueous solvents provides a straightforward method for the recovery of products from bioconversion reactions. The in situ extraction of products during a bioconversion may be desirable because the products adversely affect the bioconversion, or the environment in the bioreactor adversely affects the products. This chapter presents a summary of extractive fermentations and extractive enzymatic reactions. In many fermentations, accumulation of products in the broth inhibits cell growth or product formation. Whether the products inhibit the growth of the cells or the fermentation environment is deleterious to the products, solvent and broth must be in direct contact so that the products can be extracted into the organic solvent. The largest constraint in selecting an extraction solvent is the requirement that the solvent be biocompatible. Physical properties of the solvent are important during the extraction step of the extractive fermentation process and in later processing steps.
