Amyris, Inc.
Process for Recovering Isoprenoids Produced by Microorganisms

Abstract:

The present invention is a process for recovering an isoprenoid compound produced by fermentation from a fermentation medium comprising: (a) demulsifying the fermentation medium or a fraction thereof in presence of a salt and a surfactant, thereby generating a stream having an organic phase containing the isoprenoid compound and a phase heavier than the organic phase, and (b) separating the stream obtained in step (a) into the organic phase containing the isoprenoid compound, the phase heavier than the organic phase, and optionally a solid phase containing host cell debris and cells.