Method for processing coalescence-inhibited emulsions from whole-cell biotransformations with compressed or supercritical gases,in particular with carbon dioxide

Abstract

The method presented represents a possibility for separating emulsions derived from whole-cell biotransformations, which method makes it possible to effectively separate stable emulsions derived from typical biocatalytic two-phase processes that result in connection with such a biotransformation, by means of at least one compressed or supercritical gas. In this connection, 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, in this connection, 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, which are decisively responsible for the formation of the stable emulsion, can be separated off by means of sedimentation, because of the treatment. The separation that is achieved remains in existence even after the compressed or supercritical gas has gassed out, so that aside from extraction, other methods for product isolation can also follow, if this is necessary. In this connection, the invention contains tremendous potential for industrial use of biocatalytical two-phase processes, which are of great interest economically and ecologically.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.