Siegfried Schoberth

Title: Siegfried Schoberth: Innovator in Microbial Production of Acetic Acid

Introduction

Siegfried Schoberth is a notable inventor based in Juelich, Germany. He has made significant contributions to the field of microbial fermentation, particularly in the production of acetic acid. His innovative approaches have led to advancements in fermentation processes that enhance the efficiency and yield of acetic acid production.

Latest Patents

Siegfried Schoberth holds a patent for a process for the microbial anaerobic production of acetic acid. This process utilizes homoacetogenic bacteria in an aqueous solution of fermentable substrates, especially sugar. The method results in increased acetic acid concentrations, exceeding 3%, particularly when the substrate solution contains acetic acid from previous fermentations. The patent outlines a fed-batch process where acetic acid is maintained at a concentration ranging from about 0.5% to about 2%, ideally around 1%. The process employs at least two interconnected fermenters, enabling real continuous fermentation by regulating the residence time in each fermenter.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Schoberth has worked with prominent organizations, including the Forschungszentrum Jülich and Pfeiffer Langen. His work has focused on enhancing fermentation techniques and optimizing production processes in the field of biotechnology. His expertise has contributed to the development of more efficient methods for producing valuable chemicals through microbial processes.

Collaborations

Siegfried Schoberth has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert Klemps and Hermann Sahm. These partnerships have fostered innovation and have been instrumental in advancing research in microbial fermentation.

Conclusion

Siegfried Schoberth's contributions to the microbial production of acetic acid highlight his role as an innovator in biotechnology. His patented processes and collaborations have paved the way for advancements in fermentation technology, making a significant impact in the field.