Comparisons between continuous and batch processing to produce clavulanic acid by Streptomyces clavuligerus

The aim of the present work was to compare CA production in continuous culture with and without cell recycling and in batch process by Streptomyces clavuligerus. Continuous cultivations with high cell concentration using cell recycling were performed utilizing a hollow fiber ultrafiltration module to separate cells from the filtrate broth. The continuous cultures without cell recycling and the batch cultivations were performed conventionally. The highest productivity was attained in the continuous cultivation with cell recycling (22.2 mg.L-1.h-1). The highest CA concentration was obtained in the batch process (470 mg.L-1.h-1)