Print Page

Email Page

PDF Page

The ProLactis^TM process

High numbers of yeast cells (millions per cm2) are fixed and immobilized in the ProLactis^TM bioreactor, and are called ‘mother cells’. Feeding the bioreactor is accomplished in a continuous mode (24h/day, 7 days/week) from the top down with the by-product to treat, of which the composition is first optimized by computerized addition of key micronutrients. The so-called ‘daughter cells’ resulting from the growth process of mother cells gradually fall from their support surfaces and are collected at the bottom of the tower. As a consequence, the liquid exiting the reactor exhibits a far lower polluting charge and the actual yeast concentration varies depending on the raw material used. Generally the concentration is around 4% or slightly less, since the incoming liquid feed contains low amounts of carbon per liter.

Principles of yeast manufacturing have been known for a long time. However, the process and hardware involved do allow for the economical and efficient processing of dilute raw materials. Until now, the industrial production of yeast is done on molasses which contain 4 to 10 times more carbon compounds than the by-products suitable for the current system. With ProLactis^TM, once the yeast cells have been collected, the environmental charge of the resulting effluent is reduced by anywhere between 65% to 95% of the initial charge.

Various raw materials for this process are available in large volumes around the world, but in the current context those of higher interest are milk by-products (whey permeates and derivatives), and expired or defective batches of beers and soft drinks. Such materials contain carbon, are generally of high quality, and in many instances cause environmental problems.

It is an understatement that the current regulatory situation does require more and more initiatives designed to alleviate the environmental impact of agrifood production. Under such conditions, applying a new process to turn by-products into marketable value-added compounds and ingredients is an obvious step in the right direction. It is also about a highly promising market.

Click here to view brochure.