Filtration

Membrane filtration is commonly used in various technological processes in the food industry. The dairy industry uses it for concentration, standardization of the protein and casein, concentration of proteins in milk, isolation of protein from milk, removing bacteria, production of feta cheese and other types of cheese, like fromage or mascarpone cheese. Also for production of fresh cheese from sour milk or cream, production of cottage cheese or cream cheese, concentration of whey proteins, isolation of whey proteins, reduction of fat, etc. 

One of the main problems when using the membrane technology is the membraneSpiral membranesfouling. It happens due to collection of the proteins, fat and minerals on the membrane surface. To avoid this phenomenon, one should make appropriately timed breaks for cleaning the membrane. Frequent cleaning decreases the efficiency of the production process. 

Membrane cleaning consists of few procedure depending on the type of the filtration process such as nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration or reverse osmosis. Typically the process of membrane cleaning and disinfection consists of alkaline and acid wash with the addition of the surface active compounds. However, the enzymatic cleaning is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Enzymatic agents reduce the amount of chemicals needed and are biodegradable. 

As a part of “Inicjatywa Technologiczna I”, University of Wrocław – Transvet PHPU Syndicate carried out the research on the new product for the enzymatic cleaning of the membrane.  

  • Biosurfactants

    We identified chemical structures of newly isolated biosurfactants which are secreted by Arctic microorganisms. We are investigating their antibacterial, antifungal properties as well as proapoptotic activity. Biosurfactants can be used as an antiseptics.

  • Biogas

    We are investigating and optimizing the efficiency of metanogenesis in bioreactors. We are also testing various substrates (industrial waste) as materials for biogas production. Microorganisms which participate in this process are investigated as e.g. biofilm producers.

  • Bacteriophages

    Bacteriophages or phages are bacterial viruses. We isolated and are now investigating phages which kill Bacillus strains. Beside the basic research, the collection of phages can be used in industry as for example eliminators of infections.

  • Antiseptics

    Fungal infections are difficult to treat because of the small number of effective drugs. Candida albicans resistance depends on the activity of ABC transporters (MDR, CDR). We have investigated strains and methods for finding new antifungal compounds (synthetic and natural) e.g. probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.