DE102015005775A1 - Process for producing a fresh algae mass - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a fresh algal mass, wherein after harvest using a filtration process freshly harvested liquid algae substrate having a dry matter content of 5 to 7% and a pH of between 9.2 to 9.6 is present.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a fresh algal mass, wherein after harvest using a filtration process freshly harvested liquid algae substrate having a dry matter content of 5 to 7% and a pH of between 9.2 to 9.6 is present.

The harvest, for example, a floating cover of liquid algae substrate, can be done by a multi-stage hydrostatic filtration process. In this case, a low-viscosity algae substrate can remain behind in the sieve. This is not further focused; wherein the dry matter content (TS content) is about 6%. The determination of the dry matter content can be based on the DIN 12880 respectively. DIN 12879 respectively.

Such a method is for example in the DE 10 2014 011 317.5 basically described. This floating layer harvesting method is only possible with tank reactors, whereby the concentrated algal biomass floating on the medium, flows through a mobile weir into a collecting tank. This gentle harvest and the hydrostatic filtration process damage the individual algae cell little or not at all, ie the trichome structure remains largely intact and thus capable of division. The advantage in this harvest regime is that the surface harvest of the liquid algae substrate stabilizes the algae culture biosystem quickly and ensures further harvests in this regard, which take place regularly at regular intervals. This process can be carried out using, for example, a plant for the rearing and reproduction of spirulina algae described in U.S. Patent No. 4,829,866 DE 20 2014 006 168 , become feasible.

After harvest put in the fresh biomass, d. H. the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate, very rapidly various chemical and microbial degradation processes that can contaminate them and cause high quality. The liquid algae substrate desirably contains, at least in part, living algae, which should be left as far as possible in this state.

Processing of the liquid algae substrate often can not take place in a timely manner or should take place later in a targeted manner, for example in the case where a batch operation is present.

To substantially reduce or eliminate these undesirable processes, suitable methods of preserving and storing the liquid algal substrate are required, which are not previously known in the prior art, although there is a need in this regard.

The object of the invention is to provide such a method for preserving and storing the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate, which takes place as gently as possible, so that the proportion of living algae remains as high as possible. This method should be adapted in particular from a technological point of view to the subsequent processing of the algae substrate to an algae product.

The object of the invention is achieved by a method having the features according to claim 1.

It is essential to the invention that the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate and / or the liquid algal substrate stored for up to 48 hours be processed to an algae fresh mass, the liquid algae substrate dehydrated to a dry matter content of 10 to 15% and subsequently the pH between 8.5 to 8.8 is set.

This method is u. a. designed the type that is possible in the most technically and technologically simple manner, a storage and preparation of freshly harvested liquid algae substrate for subsequent processing, for example, algae products, in an industrial production. This regularly requires a reproducible and technologically optimized process control in this industrial production.

The dewatering of the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate according to the invention is essential. The dewatering of the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate to a defined dry matter range of 11 to 13% (TM) is particularly suitable for simplifying the production process. For example, the constant use of additives such as loess soil and cellulose is possible. In this selected range of dry matter, the algae substrate already has a pasty gel structure (= gel between outer shell layers of the trichomes), which has such a consistency, which can be described as almost puncture resistant. In addition, it has such properties, so this good Possesses mixing properties; which is required in the production of algae products. This is a decisive advantage for the further processing of the fresh mass (FM).

The setting according to the invention of a predetermined pH value range of the fresh algae mass, subsequent to the dehydration step, is essential to the invention.

In this case, such chemical substances can be used in principle, which in particular reduce the pH, at least support preservation, are not inappropriate in the context of subsequent processing and / or cause no damage to the living algae.

The dependent claims 2 to 7 contain advantageous embodiments of the invention without limiting this.

It is preferred that after harvesting, storage of the liquid algae substrate takes place for up to 48 hours in the process medium under process conditions.

A process medium in the sense of the invention is characterized in particular by a customary composition of different nutrient salts, of macro- or micronutrients and trace elements.

This process medium may be that used so far in the process; a fresh, which then replaced in the usual way the hitherto used in the process or a mixture of previously used in the process and fresh process medium.

Such a process medium ( 2 ) can be read, for example, on a medium from Aiba and Ogawa (1977), ( 1 ).

Process conditions in the context of the invention are customary parameters in the rearing of algal cultures, in particular spirulina. Algae cultures, especially with regard to temperature (25 ° C), stirring times, illuminance and light spectrum.

These parameters are adjusted to the respective process steps and adjusted. These include, for example:
Heated pool reactors (heating with heat pump air-air) and automatic ventilation of the greenhouse, automatically controlled or adjusted to the process stirring times and manual control of lighting (shading) ensure a relatively constant process temperature. High-pressure sodium lamps (450 watts) provide missing light spectra in the low-light months. Not all of the global radiation, but only the visible range of 400 to 780 nm is useful for the photosynthetically active organisms, also called PAR (English: Photosynthetically Active Radiation, short PAR or PhAR). It is the range in the spectrum of solar radiation, indicated from 400 to 700 nm in W / m ² . This range is broadly in line with the range of human-visible radiation (380-780 nm), which accounts for approximately 50% of global radiation. The photosynthetically active radiation is composed of photons with very different energies (blue: energetic, red: low energy). Because of the direct stoichiometric relationship between absorbed photons (in the range of 400 to 700 nm) and the photosynthetic CO ₂ binding, photon current density (Photosynthetically Active Photon Flux Density, PPFD or PFD for short) has become standard in biology. It is measured, in contrast to the PAR, in μmol / (m ² s).

The best harvest results are provided by the irradiation with a high proportion of yellow-red wavelengths. If the high-energy blue-green radiation predominates, the resulting high photon current density, which strikes the surface of the pool reactor, must be reduced. With manually controlled shading, at least for the most part harmful radiation can be prevented from the culture. An increased stirring frequency also reduces the exposure time of the individual algae and prevents greater damage to the algae. Growth parameters: process phase reactor type process temperature mixing times PH value Photon current density μmol / (m ² s) Storage in Bottles / cans 25 ° C Manual stirring 9.5 30 inoculum Pelvic inoculum 25 ° C continuous operation 9.5 100 cultivation production basins 25 ° C continuous operation 9.5-9.8 250 Production / harvest production basins 25 ° C interval operation 9.5-10.5 Max. 500 Disposal / cleaning / disinfection production basins 25 ° C - - -

Such storage in the "filtered" process medium under such normal process conditions is only possible because the algae cell of the liquid algae substrate, even after harvest, at least partially, life and thus able to divide.

It is advantageous that the harvested liquid algae substrate "stores" under the usual process conditions in the medium, is exposed to few changes and thereby can still produce more biomass after harvesting. This procedure is practicable especially in the months with temperate greenhouse temperatures.

A short-term storage of the liquid algae substrate, d. H. up to 48 hours, can be done without a separate chemical preservation. This is surprisingly possible because the range of the pH selected according to the invention, namely a pH of 9.5-10.5, is a strongly basic medium (with a pH of 9.5-10.5), causes, which has a usual preservative effect. This means that the process medium simultaneously has the functionality of a storage and nutrient medium.

This so-called "intermediate storage process" of max. For example, two days is ideal for the daily harvest on the weekend, with the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate harvested from the harvest being stored gently and thus being processed on the following working day (s). It was thus in technically and technologically simplest way a surprisingly simple, uncomplicated and cost-effective storage method, u. a. with a small amount of time and equipment needed.

It is furthermore preferred that storage of the liquid algae substrate in the process medium takes place at a temperature of 2 to 4 ° C. and in the dark.

Investigations have shown that a storage of the liquid algae substrate in the process medium at a temperature of 2 to 4 ° C and in the dark can lead to a significant change in the structure of the liquid algae substrate.

It is furthermore preferred that the pH of the liquid algae substrate is adjusted to a value between 8.2 to 8.8 by addition of an ascorbic acid solution, preferably a 20% ascorbic acid solution.

Ascorbic acid has within the meaning of the invention desired properties of a preservative and an acid. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is suitable for the preservation of algae biomass, as it is a natural preservative that inhibits the rapid multiplication of microorganisms, which is used immediately after harvesting and must be prevented. Ascorbic acid is an additive that is already used in the food industry (E 300) as well as for homeopathic and cosmetic applications. For example, the use of ascorbic acid from homeopathy in connection with the prophylaxis with highly concentrated vitamin. C infusions known. Ascorbic acid has a positive effect on the skin: stimulates the connective tissue metabolism, has a regenerating and healing effect on connective tissue damage. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) also neutralizes the specific odor of the algae in the final product, which often becomes more intense with increasing storage time. Ascorbic acid also has an acid character and is suitable for lowering the pH in the fresh algae mass (from about 9.5) to 8.8 to 8.5.

Preference is given to the use of a 20% solution of ascorbic acid dissolved in water (maximum 333 g of ascorbic acid / liter are soluble).

The object of the invention is achieved by an algae product 5, according to claim 8, with at least one fresh algae mass 1, produced by a process according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.

The dependent claims 9 to 12 contain advantageous embodiments of the invention without limiting this.

It is preferred that the starting materials of the algae wrap are at least one fresh algae mass, loess soil and cellulose, which are processed into a wound mass.

The two additives, namely loess soil, also called healing earth, and cellulose, together with the outer shell of the algae cell, form the actual gel structure of the algae wrap. It is a disperse system consisting of the solid components (algae, healing earth, cellulose), which form a spongy, three-dimensional network whose pores are filled with water and thereby the liquid component is immobilized in the solid.

Cellulose, for example as food additive E 460, is a binder approved for the food industry and is outstandingly suitable for stabilizing the winding mass. Cellulose is preferably used in the smallest available granulation (particle size 30 μm); should, on the one hand, bind as much water as possible in order to further stabilize the winding mass in terms of consistency by increasing the viscosity and, on the other hand, guarantee a homogeneous or stable algae product (low water leakage during use and different storage methods).

Lösserde consists of loess particles rich in minerals. These loess particles generally have a large particle surface to which water can adhere, the storage capacity being greater, the finer the loess particles and the correspondingly larger the particle surface. Loess, even in the case where it contains relatively much water, still feels dry and can therefore be mixed well with the very water-containing algae biomass without losing its desired properties.

Loess can be used in medium-fine granulation, for example in external applications, and in tested / germ-free quality in accordance with the German Food Law.

Both additives also have a process stabilizing effect during the storage phase because they bind free water in the biomass and thus reduce the growth environment for other bacteria, ie. H. for a storage period of up to a maximum of seven days, the growth of undesired microorganisms in cool storage (<5 ° C) can be limited. The compact structure of the algae wrap remains, as functionally necessary, both during and after use, d. H. Even in the case of dehydration of the algae wrap, the gel structure is not or at least not significantly destroyed.

The production of the winding mass for an algae wrap can be carried out at least on the basis of the starting materials: fresh algae mass, loess earth and cellulose. The algae wrap has a pH between 8.0 and 8.3.

Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments.

Embodiment 1

Procedure for the preparation of a fresh algal mass (without storage).

Step 1

The harvest of an algae floating ceiling of the pool reactor floating on the nutrient solution is carried out by a multistage hydrostatic filtration process. After this filtration, a low-viscosity algal substrate remains in the sieve, which has a dry substrate content of about 6% and whose pH is about 9.2 (TS determination is carried out according to DIN 12880 respectively. 12879 in the usual way).

The obtained low-viscosity algae substrate contains spirulina algae of different lengths, which are caused in particular by different growth phases of the spirulina algae. In addition, foreign algae, ie they are not spirulina algae, may be present in the algae substrate obtained, which should not be further treated regularly to form an algae product according to the invention. During the harvesting of the live low-viscosity algae substrate, a separation of liquid algae substrate, which contains in particular spirulina algae, with an extent of at least 30 μm from the mixture of other small blue-green algae and foreign algae, each with a maximum extent of 10 μm.

step 2

After step 1, a gentle dewatering of the algae substrate obtained to a dry substrate content of about 11% takes place within about 3 hours. It has been found that an algae fresh mass with a constant dry substrate content, here about 11% dry substrate content, facilitates the further processing processes, in that manual production sections can be partially replaced by certain automatisms. This results in labor savings and higher productivity. Following the dehydration, the pH of the fresh algae mass is adjusted to a value of about 8.5. The pH of the liquid algae substrate (2) is adjusted by the addition of a 20% ascorbic acid solution in the usual manner to a value of about 8.5.

Now there is an algal fresh mass with a dry substrate content of about 11% and a pH of about 8.5 before.

Embodiment 2

Procedure for the production of an algae fresh mass (with storage) The harvest of an algae floating blanket from the pool reactor takes place analogously to step 1 by a multistage hydrostatic filtration process. After this filtration, a low-viscosity algae substrate remains, for example in the sieve, back, which has a dry substrate content of about 6% (TS determination is carried out according to DIN 12880 respectively. 12879 ) and its pH is between about 9.2. The obtained low-viscosity algae substrate contains spirulina algae of different extent, which are caused in particular by different growth phases of the spirulina algae. In addition, foreign algae can be contained in the algae substrate obtained, which regularly should not be further treated to form an algae product according to the invention. During the harvesting of the live low-viscosity algae substrate, a separation of liquid algae substrate 2, which contains in particular spirulina algae, can take place with an extent of at least 30 .mu.m from the mixture of other small blue algae and foreign algae, each with a maximum extent of 10 .mu.m.

After step 1, storage of the liquid algae substrate in the process medium under process conditions takes place within up to 48 hours.

This process medium is a common nutrient medium suitable for living spirulina algae. This nutrient medium contains a customary nutrient solution, which in particular contains nutrient salts dissolved in water.

The process conditions are in particular due to the culture temperature of 25 ° C and the greenhouse conditions with changing natural light irradiation in terms of radiation spectrum and plants usable light energy.

In this case, algae substrate is stored with a dry substrate content of about 6%, to minimize damage to the trichomes of the liquid algae substrate as low as possible. This storage, which is an intermediate storage relative to the overall process, of the low-viscosity algae substrate in the nutrient medium preserves the living and growth conditions which are necessary for further processing into an algae product according to the invention.

This storage is basically possible by using the following alternative steps:

Step 3 ₁

At process conditions: 25-30 ° C and natural lighting (biomass increase) or

Step 3 ₂

At about 2-4 ° C without lighting (without biomass growth).

After step 3 ₁ or 3 ₂ , a gentle dehydration of the algae substrate obtained to a dry substrate content of about 11% takes place within about 3 hours. It has been found that an algae fresh mass with a constant dry substrate content, here about 11% dry substrate content, facilitates the further processing processes, in that manual production sections can be partially replaced by certain automatisms. This results in labor savings and higher productivity. Following the dehydration, the pH of the fresh algae mass is adjusted to a value of about 8.2. The pH of the liquid algae substrate (2) is adjusted by the addition of a 20% ascorbic acid solution in the usual manner to a value of about 8.2. Now, a fresh algae mass with a dry substrate content of about 11% and a pH of about 8.2 in an analogous manner to step 2 before.

Embodiment 3

Algae product, here algae wrap

An algae fresh mass achievable according to steps 1 and 2 (embodiment 1) or step 3 (embodiment 2), in particular with a dry substrate content of about 11% and a pH of about 8.5, u. a. the starting material for an algae wrap or a winding mass.

The pH of the liquid algae substrate at the beginning of step 1 is between 9.2-9.5, with variations due to a different degree of dewatering.

• – Pflanzenextrakt (natürlich) Capsaicin = Cayennepfeffer-Extrakt,
• – natürliche und synthetische Duftstoffe sowie
• – sonstige Zusätze, wie wertvolle Hautpflege-Öle (pflanzlich).

By adding, to fresh algae mass with a pH of max. 8.5, of loess-soil powder and cellulose powder, the basic mass of the winding mass is obtained, which can be supplemented by other starting materials. These other starting materials are:

• - plant extract (natural) capsaicin = cayenne pepper extract,
• - natural and synthetic fragrances as well
• - other additives, such as valuable skin care oils (herbal).

Starting material is fresh algae mass (step 4). PH 8.5 Powdery loess and cellulose additives vary according to the storage method: Additive mixture I: Wrapping Short-term storage = refrigerator 2-4 ° C 20-30% Loess soil 5-7.5% cellulose Additive mixture II: Wrap long-term storage = freezer -25 ° C 30.0 to 40% Loess soil 7.5-10% Cellulose.

The addition of plant extract capsaicin depends on the size of the roll: Size L (Large) 3 drops of capsaicin Size M (Middle) 2 drops of capsaicin Size S (Small) 1 drop of capsaicin.

Natural fragrances are arnica and lemon balm. Synthetic fragrances are (Bell): Honey, Green Tea, Sandalwood, Aloe Vera.

First, the healing clay, then the cellulose in the fresh biomass (step 3) is gently stirred in each case (stirring device) until a homogeneous mass results. Plant extracts and other additives can then be evenly distributed by repeated careful stirring in the pasty mass. This finished wrapping material is the basis for the algae wrap and at the same time salable as algae paste. Natural / synthetic fragrances are applied application-oriented. Ie. Arnica, honey dream or aloe vera give the warming algae wrap a warm, appropriate scent component while green tea or sandalwood provide a fresh scent component in the cooling wrap. Other additives such as oils of plant origin have a skin-care effect.

Embodiment 4

Algae product exclusively from a fresh algae mass

If the fresh algae mass is the algae product, it is advisable that only the freshly harvested spirulina is used. Only the pH, which is originally around 9.5, is adjusted to 8.2-8.0 with 20% ascorbic acid solution.

If the spirulina is applied as a fresh mass to the skin, it is lowered from the strongly basic environment to the skin-compatible pH range of 8.2-8.0.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014011317 [0003]
• DE 202014006168 [0003]

Cited non-patent literature

• DIN 12880 [0002]
• DIN 12879 [0002]
• DIN 12880 [0042]
• 12879 [0042]
• DIN 12880 [0046]
• 12879 [0046]

Claims (13)

A process for producing an algae fresh mass, wherein, after harvest using a filtration process, liquid algae substrate having a dry matter content of 5 to 7% and a pH of 9.2 to 9.6 is present, characterized in that the freshly harvested liquid algae substrate and / or or the liquid algal substrate stored for up to 48 hours is processed to an algae fresh mass, wherein the liquid algae substrate is dewatered to a dry matter content of 10 to 15% and subsequently the pH is adjusted to between 8.5 to 8.8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that subsequently takes place processing to an algae product. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that after harvesting a storage of the liquid algal substrate is carried out for up to 48 hours in the process medium under process conditions. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that during the harvest of the living fresh mass, a separation of liquid algae substrate, preferably from liquid algae substrate with spirulina algae with an extent of at least 30 microns, from the mixture of small spirulina algae and alien algae each having a maximum extent of 10 microns. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that a storage of the liquid algae substrate in the process medium at a temperature of 2 to 4 ° C and in the dark takes place. A method according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that after storage of the liquid algae substrate, this liquid algae substrate is dehydrated to a dry matter content of 10 to 13%. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pH of the liquid algae substrate by adding an ascorbic acid solution, preferably a 20% ascorbic acid solution is adjusted to a value between 8.2 to 8.8. Algae product with at least one fresh algae mass prepared by a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7. Algae product according to claim 8, characterized in that this algae product is an algae wrap above an algae paste. Algae product according to claim 9, characterized in that the starting materials of the algae wrap are at least one fresh algae mass, loess earth and cellulose, which are processed into a winding mass. Algae product according to claim 10, characterized in that the winding mass has a pH between 8.0 and 8.3. Algae product according to claim 8, characterized in that this algae product consists exclusively of fresh algae mass. Use of a fresh algal mass prepared by a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 for medical devices.

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