Research Project: Optimizing Yeast Propagation:  
Optimized oxygen supply for vitalizing yeast with patented Krinner technology

A New Development for Greater Vitality and Yield in Yeast Production: From an Experienced Partner for Optimized Oxygen Supply 

Krinner Drucklufttechnik, together with the Chair of Brewing and Beverage Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), has developed a process for optimized oxygen supply in yeast propagation. The process was extensively tested as part of the research project “Optimization of Fermentative Processes through the Use of Oxygen-Enriched Air.”

The patented process: The technology enriches existing sterile or compressed air with oxygen on demand, using an energy-efficient membrane process. Oxygen content and volumetric flow can be variably controlled.

The result: This variable control reduces foam formation, supports yeast growth, and increases the vitality and viability of the yeast. The process therefore offers a concrete approach to making yeast propagation more efficient and more economical.

Seeking partners and interested parties for implementation or acquisition: For the industrial implementation or acquisition of this development, Krinner is looking for suitable partners and interested parties from the brewing industry, food production, biotechnology, plant engineering, and related sectors.

Yeast propagation – our new development:

German patent: DE 10 2020 103 333 B3 / granted

European patent application: EP 21703863.7 / filed

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What Is Yeast Propagation, and Why Is the Oxygen Supply Crucial?

Yeast propagation refers to the targeted multiplication of yeast cells in pre-cultures. For yeast to be vital, high-performing, and available in sufficient quantity, it requires a controlled oxygen supply. Too little oxygen limits growth; if the oxygen deficit is compensated for with more air, this can trigger increased foam formation. Excessive oxygen supply, on the other hand, leads to oxidative stress and likewise limits vitality and thus growth. 

“In industrial yeast production, the quality of the yeast cells is a central process factor. What matters, however, is not only the quantity of yeast but also its vitality and viability. Precisely controlled oxygen supply supports aerobic metabolism and thereby improves the entire process.” — August Krinner

What Advantages Does the Patented Process for Optimized Yeast Propagation Offer?

In figures, the patented process for optimized yeast propagation delivers the following advantages:

●    50% less foam formation
●    30% longer aerobic metabolism
●    40% reduced production time
●    70% higher output
●    More cost-effective and safer than pure oxygen

How Is Foam Development Reduced?
Foam development is reduced by the on-demand supply of oxygen-enriched air. This allows for lower volumetric flow rates during aeration. As a result, foam height can drop by more than 50% at certain process stages. 

“The reduced foam formation lowers cleaning effort and increases process stability.” — August Krinner
 

How Does the Process Improve Yeast Growth, Vitality, and Viability?
The optimized oxygen supply extends the aerobic phase of yeast propagation. This supports growth and increases biomass yield. At the same time, the lower inlet-air volumetric flow with oxygen-enriched air reduces oxidative stress on the cells.

How Does the Innovative Process Shorten Process Time?
The innovative process shortens process time through reduced foam formation, which improves mass transfer. In addition, higher concentration gradients promote faster diffusion into the liquid phase. Together, these two effects can shorten throughput time by up to 40%.

How Does the Patented Krinner Technology Increase Output?
The patented Krinner technology increases output through shortened process times resulting from reduced foam formation. The shorter process time allows the vessel to be refilled more frequently. In addition, the reduced foam formation allows the propagator to be filled to a higher level, since less headspace volume needs to be reserved. Overall, production increases of over 70% are realistic.

How Easily Can the New Process for Vitalizing Yeast Be Integrated into Existing Plants?
The new process for vitalizing yeast can be integrated into existing plants very easily. The modular unit can be retrofitted at any time. An external oxygen supply is not required. Integration with, and expansion of, existing compressed air or process air systems is possible at any time.

Why Is the Process for Generating Oxygen More Cost-Effective and Safer?
The efficient membrane process is more cost-effective than supplying oxygen as a pure technical gas from cylinders or tanks. In addition, because the process concentrates on the necessary control range, no hazardous zone is created. On-site generation via the membrane process ensures a continuous, secure oxygen supply.

Which Industries and Applications Is the Krinner Technology Suitable For?
The Krinner technology is especially relevant for plant engineers, breweries, food and beverage manufacturers, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, life sciences, dairies, wineries, enzyme manufacturers, biofuel producers, and operators of biotechnological plants.

From Research to Practice
 

The research project ZF4025035SK9 of the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) was carried out with the support of AiF Projekt GmbH and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
 

Areas of Application

●    Breweries
●    Food manufacturers
●    Pharmaceutical manufacturers
●    Beverage manufacturers
●    Cosmetics manufacturing
●    Biogas plants
●    Bioreactors
●    Wastewater treatment
●    Biogas plant operators
●    Sewage treatment plants

Target Groups

●    Plant engineers
●    Biotechnology & life sciences
●    Pharmaceutical industry
●    Food & beverage industry
●    Renewable energy (biogas)
●    Industrial biotechnology / bioeconomy
●    Dairies
●    Breweries & wineries
●    Bakeries
●    Pharmaceutical manufacturers
●    Enzyme manufacturers
●    Cosmetics industry
●    Biofuel producers

Information and Downloads:

Technical article (PDF)

embrane process for defined supply…(PDF) 

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