A Biological process for the production of Riboflavin
Outline:
Introduction
Market
Chemical Vs biological method
Environmental impact
Main process
Waste treatment
Mass balance
Merits of our system
Future prospects
Introduction to riboflavin (1)
Riboflavin ( vitamin B2)
Molecular formula C17H20N4O
Yellow-orange
Sparingly soluble in water
Forms crystals in <30oC water
Light-sensitive
Introduction to riboflavin (2)
Precursor of Co-enzymes
– flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)
– flavin mononucleotide
Deficiency results in metabolic and skin disorders
Riboflavin is mainly used as a food supplement for both human and animals.
Market
World demand is estimated to be at 6,000 tons p.a.
Major producers are Roche, BASF and China’s Hubei Guangji Pharmaceutical
Feed-grade (80% ) sells at US $30/kg
pharmaceutical-grade (98%) sells at US $50/kg.
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