VMKC projekts Nr.28 Bioreaktora masas apmaiņas nosacījumu izpēte fermentācijas procesu efektivitātes palielināšanai

A/S Biotehniskais centrs, ir uzsācis pētniecības projektu Viedo materiālu kompetences centrs ietvaros.

Projekta  Nr.28 ietvaros A/S Biotehniskais centrs īsteno pētījumu “Bioreaktora masas apmaiņas nosacījumu izpēte fermentācijas procesu efektivitātes palielināšana”.

Projekta īstenošanas laiks 01.06.2019 – 31.05.2021.

Projekta realizācijai SIA „VMKC” un Centrālā finanšu un līgumu aģentūra (CFLA) noslēgusi līgumu Nr. 1.2.1.1/18/A/007.

Kopējais ERAF atbalsta apjoms projektam sastāda 105 860.00 EUR.

09.09.2019 atskats uz 1.ceturksni:  Tika pētīta standarta ruštona turbīnas un slīpo lāpstiņu maisītāju hidrodinamiskie rādītāji pie dažādiem maisītāja rotācijas ātrumiem, aerācijas un dažādas viskozitātes. Balstoties uz šiem rezultātiem teorētiski novērtēja masas apmaiņu atkarībā no hidrodinamiskajiem un vides realoģiskajiem parametriem.  No iegūtajiem rezultātiem var secināt, ka mazviskozās vidēs no masa apmaiņas viedokļa piemērotāka būs standarta ruštona turbīnas maisītājs, bet viskozās vidēs slīpo lāpstiņu maisītāju konstrukcijas.

10.12.2019 atskats uz 2. ceturksni: Balstoties uz laboratorijas rezultātu pētījumiem, tika izveidots modelis maisītāju lāpstu profilu izveidei pilota mēroga bioreaktoriem viskozu vižu samaisīšanai. Izmantojot modeļa parametrus,  tika izstrādāti maisītāja profila rasējumi 20 000 litru bioreaktoram.

05.03.2020 atskats uz 3.ceturksni: Salīdzinošo masas apmaiņas rādītāju teorētiska un eksperimentāla noteikšana laboratorijas bioreaktoros ar divām dažādām maisītāju konstrukcijām – standarta ruštona turbīnu un slīpo lāpstiņu maisītāju. Teorētiski šie rādītāji tika noteikti, izmantojot skābekļa masas pārneses modeli, savukārt eksperimentāli tie tika noteikti izmantot impulsa aerācijas metodi. Salīdzinošie rezultāti apliecina, ka vērtējot pēc  īpatnēji ievadītās jaudas masas apmaiņas koeficients vidēji par 8%  ir lielāks konstrukcijai ar standarta ruštona turbīnu.

05.06.2020 atskats uz 4. ceturksni: Masas apmaiņas rādītāju kLa aprēķinu noteikšana pilota mēroga bioreaktoriem tilpuma diapazonā 100 – 1000 litri. Veikts dažādu aprēķinu un eksperimentālo metožu apkopojums, kā arī analīze par piemērotības izvēli dažādiem biotehnoloģiskajiem procesiem.

07.09.2020 atskats uz 5.ceturksni: Laboratorijas (5 litru) mēroga bioreaktorā tika pētīta izšķīdušā skābekļa parciālā spiediena koncentrācijas regulācijas algoritmi un to ietekme uz mikroorganismu kultivācijas rādītājiem. Izveidots bioreaktora maisītāja un bioprocesa kontroliera prototips.

 

New project: Waste2Surf

We have started the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project on “The Sustainable Microbial Valorisation of Waste Lipids into Biosurfactants” (Waste2Surf) in cooperation with the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology of the Latvian University.

The objective of the Waste2Surf project is to develop the technology for sustainable bioconversion of industrial biowaste-lipids (used cooking oil, animal fats and others), collected from food production and catering industry, into highly valuable bio-surfactants.

 

Viedo materiālu un tehnoloģiju kompetences centrs

AS Biotehniskasi centrs, ir iesaistījies pētniecības projektā Viedo materiālu un tehnoloģiju kompetences centrs.

Viedo materiālu un tehnoloģiju kompetences centrs projekta mērķis ir atbalstīt vismaz 20 pētījumus atbilstoši definētajiem pētniecības virzieniem, attīstot jaunus produktus un tehnoloģijas nozarē un ieviešot tās ražošanā, tādējādi veicinot pētniecības un rūpniecības sektora sadarbību, kā arī nozares komersantu konkurētspējas paaugstināšanu. Vairāk www.vmtkc.lv

Projekta ietvaros AS Biotehniskais centrs īsteno pētījumu “Laboratorijas un pilota mēroga bioreaktoru sterilitātes un siltumapmaiņas nosacījumu izpēte, ievērojot labas ražošanas prakses principus”.

Projekta īstenošanas laiks 01.09.2016 – 31.12.2018.

Projekta ietvaros veikts ārpakalpojums  pētījums sadarbība ar “APP LV Koksnes ķīmijas institūts” – Mikroorganismu kultivācijas pētījums, pielietojot modeļvidē pilnveidotu magnētisko rotoru konfigurāciju.

Ar īstenoto aktivitāšu darbību aprakstu un rezultātiem varat iepazīties šeit

Sadarbībā ar firmu SIA Biosan tiek īstenots pētījums “Mikroorganismu kultivācijas iespēju pētījums, balstoties uz personālo bioreaktoru reversīvās samaisīšanas tehnoloģiju”.

Pētījuma “Kontrolētās enzimātiskās hidrolīzes procesa uzlabošanas izpēte augstvērtīgu sūkalu un piena proteīnu hidrolizātu iegūšanai” veikšana notiek sadarbībā ar SIA Baltic Dairy Board.

Projekta realizācijai SIA „Viedo materiālu un tehnoloģiju kompetences centrs” un Centrālā finanšu un līgumu aģentūra (CFLA) noslēgusi līgumu Nr. 1.2.1.1/16/A005.

Kopējais ERAF atbalsta apjoms projektam sastāda 3 206 250 EUR.

Projekts tiek īstenots no 2016. gada 1. septembra līdz 2018. gada 31. decembrim.

 

Central Baltic Cleantech Clusters expanding the East of THE EU markets (CB2East)

 

“Biotehniskais centrs” JSC in the framework of European Structural and investment fund target „European Territorial cooperation” Central Baltic Sea Region Cross-border Cooperation Programme is taking part in project „Central Baltic Cleantech Clusters expanding the East of THE EU markets” or CB2East (identification No. CB66) implemented by CLEANTECH LATVIA, Finnish Water Forum and Green Net Finland.

The aim of the project is to strengthen Central Baltic region economic competitiveness, creating commercially oriented and mutually economically beneficial cooperation in the clean technology sector between clean technology clusters in Finland, Latvia, North West Russia and Central Asia. The priority areas of the project are sustainable energy efficiency and water inspection solutions.

The implementation period of the project is 1 September 2015 – 31 May 2018.

The total funding of the project is 909 065 EUR, from which the European Structural and Investment Funds co-financing is 711 642 EUR.

CLEANTECH LATVIA total budget in project is 298 435,00 EUR, from which The European Structural and Investment Funds contribution is 253 669,75 EUR, CLEANTECH LATVIA co-financing is 29 844,25 EUR and State budget co-financing is 14 921,00 EUR.

 

Central Baltic Cleantech Clusters expanding the East of THE EU markets (CB2East)

 

“Biotehniskais centrs” JSC in the framework of European Structural and investment fund target „European Territorial cooperation” Central Baltic Sea Region Cross-border Cooperation Programme is taking part in project „Central Baltic Cleantech Clusters expanding the East of THE EU markets” or CB2East (identification No. CB66) implemented by CLEANTECH LATVIA, Finnish Water Forum and Green Net Finland.

The aim of the project is to strengthen Central Baltic region economic competitiveness, creating commercially oriented and mutually economically beneficial cooperation in the clean technology sector between clean technology clusters in Finland, Latvia, North West Russia and Central Asia. The priority areas of the project are sustainable energy efficiency and water inspection solutions.

The implementation period of the project is 1 September 2015 – 31 May 2018.

The total funding of the project is 909 065 EUR, from which the European Structural and Investment Funds co-financing is 711 642 EUR.

CLEANTECH LATVIA total budget in project is 298 435,00 EUR, from which The European Structural and Investment Funds contribution is 253 669,75 EUR, CLEANTECH LATVIA co-financing is 29 844,25 EUR and State budget co-financing is 14 921,00 EUR.

 

Device for monitoring of local viscosity during the technological processes

A characteristic indicator of many technologic processes is medium viscosity or other rheological properties changes during the process.

For example, in the fermentations by the growth of microorganisms the viscosity of cultivation media changes. In the process of lacquer production various resins are synthesized. By the end of the process of synthesis viscosity starts rapid increase. However, in milk production kefir, curdled milk and yoghurt are produced with the fermentation technologies. As the milk mass curdles, its solidity changes which is characterized also with increase of viscosity. In all of the mentioned cases change of the technological medium viscosity “informs” about the end of the process or about the need to perform influence on the process. In addition to the given examples one can find comparatively many examples where the characteristic parameter of a process would be viscosity.

Currently the described processes cannot be yet directly controlled depending on their viscosity because there are no devices with the help of which it would be possible to comparatively easily on-line measures the viscosity in various technologic processes. The given device should be convenient, robust, not complicated, with comparatively small dimensions (at least the transmitter part which is immersed in technologic environment) and with an economic price. The available systems are expensive, complicated and require auxiliary equipment. For this purpose in 2006 in Latvian State Wood chemistry institute a project of European Structure Fund Development (ERAF) ”Indicator of rheological characteristics as a tool for control of biomass and other production processes” was commenced. Now the project is in the final phase and Latvian (P-08-92 from 26.05.2008) and European patents (Priority Nr. 08010576.0/EPO8010576 from 11.06.2008) are pended.

Taking into consideration the above mentioned principles and conditions the viscosity controlling device prototype was developed.

The given device (see block scheme) consists of a transmitter which is made on the basis of a bimorph piezoelectric multi-layer element (1), which is connected to a bimorph element signal processing block (2) and signal generating device (3). The output signal generated by the block (2), then transformed into 4-20 mA or 0-10V signal form, is transferred to the process logical controller PLC or another control device (4). The transmitter is initiated with 30 V impulses which are generated in the signal generating device (3) and from the moment of initiation of signal the damping oscillations in the block (2)are analyzed. PLC or another control device (4) by analyzing the signal of viscosity changes issues control signal to executive mechanisms of production for regulation of technological process in accordance with the given algorithm. The given algorithm foresees actions which are needed when reaching a value of specified for viscosity. The algorithm depends on character of technological process.

Block schema of viscosity control device

 

Transmitter’s (1) construction is supplemented with elements which significantly increase oscillations amplitude initiated in the bimorph piezoelectric element and the damping time of oscillations, thus increasing sensitivity of the transmitter and thus also the viscosity limits foreseen for control.

Transmitter’s signal in the signal block (2) is processed with analogue to digital converter. Further the amplitude of each oscillation period is defined and on the basis of the given information a logarithmic fluctuation damping decrement d is determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

• d – logarithmic damping decrement of oscillations

• n – number of oscillations

• xo – reference oscillation range

• xn – n oscillation amplitude

Between the damping decrement and dynamic viscosity there is an increasing functional coherence:

This coherence is determined experimentally, by performing calibration of the device with different medium viscosities. The given calibration function is entered into the block (2). A signal is formed in the output of signal processing block which complies with one of the industrial analogue signal ranges (for example, 4 – 20 mA or 0 – 10 V). Furthermore, the given exit signal is directly proportionate with the dynamic viscosity.

In order to determine correlation function of the signal processing block As a criterion for issue of a message in respect to the actions necessary for completion of fermentation process. the fluctuations initiated by the transmitter were analyzed (1). For this purpose an oscillograph Textronix TDS2024 B was used; information gained by it was analyzed and processed with computer software in graphical and tabular form. Viscosity was modeled by the means of various concentration CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) solutions. Dynamic viscosity was determined with the help of the viscosimeter SV-10 (A&D Company, Limited). In such manner the damping curves of the transmitter (1) in viscosity range from 1 mPas to 344 mPas with optimal viscosity transmitter (1) construction dimensions were gained:

Application of the given transmitter is realized for control of fermentation process by connecting it as transmitter to the bioprocess controller BIO-3 in the manner below.

Viscosity control in the fermentation process can be applied, for example:

1. In order to determine the type of control of partial pressure pO2 of the dissolved oxygen (i.e. with the mixer rotation speed change, oxygen enrichment, substrate adding or otherwise);

2. As a criterion for issue of a message in respect to the actions necessary for completion of fermentation process. The process control strategies for other processes can be developed based on analysis of on-line viscosity measurements.

Development of magnetic field initiated mixing drive for biotechnology and other applications

The aim of this research was to study the influence of magnetic field on the growth of microorganisms. In our experiments this influence was tested using Escherichia coli strain BT21. The experiments were carried out in a shaker flask at different intensities of magnetic field. The application of magnetic drives and joints in the bioreactors imposes strong requirements on the hermetic sealing of the testing vessels, which is utterly important from the sterility point of view. Our experiments have convincingly shown that the magnetic influence results in higher growth rate of biomass. In addition, some indications have been obtained that as the magnetic strength exceeds a definite level its positive influence on the bacterial growth decreases.

15.11.2010. – The end of the project „Development of magnetic field initiated mixing drive for biotechnology and other applications”

Imitation and management of fermentation processes in model environment conditions

JSC “Biotehniskais centrs” started realization of research project “Imitation and management of fermentation processes in model environment conditions” in Ltd. “Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence centre” program.

 

Clean technology cluster

In the beginning of 2012 the Biotechnology Association of Latvia launched the project “CleanTech Cluster Latvia”. 26 industry enterprises and 5 related research institutes have joined to the cluster initiative since then. Our company alsi is the mrmber of CleanTech cluster.

The establishment of the cluster organization is supported by the European Union Structural Funds under administration of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

Cleantech in Latvia is not yet an explicit sector. But while solving environmental and resource efficiency problems we see a lot of activities in different sectors with characteristics of Cleantech. This is most common in sectors such as recycling, development of alternative energy sources, biomass, biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Most of the cross sector collaboration happens in a sub-sector level and most often the goal is solving a common problems regarding specific products. Overall growth of the sector is tightly linked to collaboration between companies on this sub-sector level and we believe that focusing on managing this collaboration is a key to growing competitive capacity of the companies involved.

Development and application of mathematical models in fermentation processes as an instrument for interaction and management research

JSC “Biotehniskais centrs” started realization of research project “Development and application of mathematical models in fermentation processes as an instrument for interaction and management research” in Ltd. “Environment,BioenergeticsandBiotechnologyCompetencecentre” program.

 

The program of competence center

JSC “Biotehniskais centrs” as a partner is involved in a realization of Ltd. “Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence centre” research projects, which on April 11th, 2011, with V/a „Investment and Development Agency of Latvia” signed contract Nr. L-KC-11-0005 on realization of project „Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence centre”.

More detailed info: www.vbbkc.lv

 

Research on obtaining high-quality products by using microalage

Research on obtaining high-quality products by using microalgae cultivation in laboratory and pilot-scale photobioreactors.

The aim of the project is to develop technology for astaxanthin’s extraction in Latvia’s conditions and to develop controlled laboratory and pilot-scale photobioreactor.

The aim of Ltd. “Belss” is to develop technology for astaxanthin’s extraction; the aim of JSC “Biotechnical center” is to develop controlled laboratory and pilot-scale photobioreactor.

During the project such activities are planned:

1. Activity: Study on the effect of external environmental factors on microalgae cultivation.

2. Activity: Development of laboratory-scale photobioreactor.

3. Activity: Photosynthesis cultivation studies in laboratory scale and studies on conditions necessary for pilot-scale photobioreactors.

4. Activity: Development of pilot-scale photobioreactor

5. Activity: Studies on scale transition regularities by using photosynthetic bioreactors.

6. Activity: Development of astaxanthin extraction technology.

Start of the project: 01.01.2014

End of the project: 30.04.2015