Method for processing coalescence-inhibited emulsions from whole-cell biotransformations with compressed or supercritical gases

US8431358B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DORTMUND · DE

Inventors

• Gabriele Sadowski · Hönow, DE
• Andreas Schmid · Berkeley, US
• Bruno Buehler · Dortmund, DE
• Michael Goernert · Dortmund, DE
• Christoph Brandenbusch · Essen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 2008
• Grant date: Apr 30, 2013
• Expiry date: May 3, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D21/02
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The method separates emulsions derived from whole-cell biotransformations, including stable emulsions derived from typical biocatalytic two-phase processes that result with such a biotransformation. A supercritical extraction to obtain the valuable product can follow directly, because of the use of compressed or supercritical gas as the separation agent. It is unimportant whether the valuable product is present in the aqueous or the organic phase. Recycling of the organic phase is possible, since the surfactant cell components decisively responsible for the formation of the stable emulsion can be separated off via sedimentation, because of the treatment. The achieved separation remains in existence even after the gas has gassed out, so that aside from extraction, other methods for product isolation can also follow, if necessary.