Table 3.

Comparison of different downstream processing strategies for succinate separation and purification.

Downstream processing strategies	Advantages	Disadvantages
Crystallization	Easy to be operated; without additional reagents.	Low succinate yield and purity; recrystallization is required.
Precipitation	Low technological barriers; inexpensive precipitants.	Requirement of large quantities of precipitants; generation of useless by-products.
Extraction	High output and low energy consumption.	Pretreatment of the fermentation broth is required; expensive extraction agents used for reactive extraction.
Electrodialysis	Relatively mild conditions; can be used for continuous separation.	High energy consumption; high cost of the membranes; low selectivity for succinate.
Chromatography	Easy to be scaled up.	Regeneration of the chromatographic matrix requires large amounts of acids and alkalis.
In situ separation	Can be coupled with the fermentation process; relieving product inhibition.	Relatively complicated processes; regeneration of separation sorbent is required.