Non-thermal plasma process for enhancing starch-based sweetener refining

Overview

The non-thermal plasma process developed by Sylvarum is a cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the refining of starch-based sweeteners. This platform applies controlled plasma energy to starch slurries, inducing surface-level physicochemical changes. These changes improve enzymatic access, reduce microbial loads, and lower the burden of organic impurities before the filtration and purification stages. The result is improved hydrolysis kinetics, reduced enzyme usage, decreased fouling during filtration, and lower overall chemical and energy consumption in the refining process. The system is modular and scalable, designed to fit seamlessly within existing wet milling and carbohydrate refining operations.

Technical specifications

• Non-thermal plasma technology: Utilizes plasma energy to modify starch surfaces at a molecular level without heat or chemicals.
• Enhanced efficiency: Increases substrate accessibility, reduces microbial load, and optimizes enzymatic efficiency and separation processes.
• Scalable integration: Fits inline with existing processing infrastructure, allowing for easy implementation in commercial facilities.
• Energy and cost savings: Leads to measurable improvements in yield and reductions in enzyme, chemical, and energy costs.
• Compatibility: Supports continuous processing with modular, electrically driven components.

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at TRL 2, with planned validation steps to test its feasibility and return on investment potential. The validation program will involve laboratory-scale assessments and collaborative data reviews to quantify the impact on yield, downstream processing, and economic benefits.