ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of the technique, discussing the various sorbents, the criteria for selection of sorbents, some process concepts, and some examples of processes in which this technique has been applied, as well as some future possibilities and challenges. Different modes of applying solid sorbents in extractive bioconversion includes: adsorption inside the fermentor; adsorption in the broth but outside the fermentor; adsorption in cell-free broth outside the fermentor; gas stripping and subsequent adsorption outside the fermentor. A potential advantage of solid sorbents over organic solvents as extractants is the low risk of toxicity when using polymeric material. Solid sorbents can often be reused several times, and therefore the cost is confined to the initial investment. An interesting application of solid sorbents in bioconversion processes is the use of the sorbent both as a support for microorganisms forming a biofilm and as a depot for toxic substrates.
