Valorizing side streams through enzyme and microbial synergy
This innovative approach leverages commercial enzymes and microbial co-cultivation to optimize the valorization of lactose-based side streams, enhancing nutritional properties and sensory aspects like flavor and texture.
Overview
This solution focuses on transforming lactose-based side streams into valuable products by using a synergistic approach that combines commercial enzymes with microbial co-cultivation. The method enhances nutritional properties and sensory characteristics such as flavor and texture. By employing both enzymes and a diverse collection of food-grade microorganisms, the process aims to unlock new lactose-based ingredients and optimize fermentation outcomes.
Technical specifications
Using a controlled traditional fermentative process, the solution integrates commercial enzyme blends with selected microorganisms, including yeasts, filamentous fungi, and bacteria. The method involves:
- Material evaluation: Assessing lactose and its side streams to design a screening matrix.
- Microbial and enzymatic screening: Cultivating microbial strains using the designed matrix and applying commercial enzymes.
- Basic readouts: Evaluating secondary metabolites, color, texture changes, acidification (pH), and aroma.
- Data-driven selection: Rationally picking microorganisms tailored to specific substrates to develop a comprehensive data set for flavor design.
- Reproduction and scale-up: Ensuring the process is scalable and reproducible for commercial applications.
Technology readiness level
This solution is at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment and is ready for further development towards commercialization.
About BRAIN Biotech AG
BRAIN Biotech AG is an integrated industrial biotechnology company that develops, produces, and distributes specialty enzymes, proteins, and microbial production strains. The company operates through two main business segments: BRAINBiocatalysts, which focuses on the commercialization of enzymes and specialty ingredients, and BRAINBioIncubator, which conducts research-intensive development projects. Utilizing advanced expertise in biology, bioinformatics, and bioprocess engineering, the company provides end-to-end services ranging from discovery and strain development to large-scale fermentation and manufacturing. They function as a partner for industries including food and beverage, life sciences, and chemical sectors, delivering solutions that aim to enhance industrial sustainability and efficiency.
By leveraging their proprietary technology portfolio and R&D capabilities, BRAIN Biotech enables customers to optimize production processes and develop more sustainable bio-based products. With over 30 years of experience, the company serves as an innovation partner that helps clients navigate complex development challenges, from laboratory-scale concepts to commercial-scale production. Their work directly addresses global sustainability goals by providing biological alternatives for traditional industrial methods. The group operates international facilities across Europe and the USA, providing a robust infrastructure to support long-term development partnerships and the monetization of biotechnological intellectual property.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.