Assessment of bioprocess scaling-up for γ-decalactone production at industrial scale

Abstract

γ-decalactone is a molecule with broad applications in the industry obtained through the bioconversion of ricinoleic acid. At the biotechnological level, both its production and purification processes are relatively unexplored at an industrial level but are widely documented in the literature. This study proposes the scaling of a process for industrial-level production based on mathematical models, experimental data, and literature, as well as computational tools such as SuperPro Designer Pro. The economic analysis of the process was conducted based on five important economic indicators: Gross Margin, ROI, Payback Time, IRR, and NPV. Different scenarios were proposed based on the conversion level of γ- decalactone to ricinoleic acid its value sale. These scenarios were contrasted, and a balance point was found when production was around 40 tons/year with a selling value of $300.00 USD. Additionally, the limitations of the process were addressed, as well as future prospects for the implementation of new technologies to achieve optimal levels of bioconversion, enabling the generation of increasingly profitable and competitive processes in a market dominated by the chemical industry.