WO2014012129A9 - Method for producing a product using microorganisms and thus produced solid material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a product using micro-organisms. According to the invention, micro-organisms which form a glycocalyx are breed, the micro-organisms are then gathered, then from the gathered micro-organisms the glycocalyx is separated from the remaining cell residue, and the obtained glycocalyx is mixed with at least one other material in order to form the product. The obtained glycocalyx can be optionally cleaved before mixing in compounds.

Description

 Process for producing a product using microorganisms and solid material produced therewith

The invention relates to a method for producing a product by means of

Microorganisms.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a solid material produced by such a method. Finally, the invention relates to uses of constituents resulting from

Be isolated microorganisms.

In the manufacture of building materials, but also materials for daily consumer goods such as packaging materials is currently a significant interest, new

Find materials that are characterized by high environmental impact and can be obtained in particular by ecological processes.

From the prior art it is known to use microorganisms for the production of various products. A use of microorganisms themselves or their

However, components for the production of a product are hardly considered.

This is where the invention starts. The object of the invention is to provide a method of the type mentioned, with the solid materials with different applications can be obtained in an ecological process.

Another object is to provide appropriately prepared solid materials and to illustrate uses thereof. The object is achieved according to the invention, when in a method of the type mentioned microorganisms which form a glycocalyx are bred, after which the microorganisms are harvested, whereupon the glycocalyx is separated from the remaining cell residues from the harvested microorganisms and the glycocix thus obtained with at least one other material is mixed to the Form product, wherein the recovered glycocalyx optionally before mixing in

Connections can be split.

The advantages achieved by a method according to the invention can be seen in particular in the fact that an excellent material is available by culturing glycocix forming microorganisms and subsequent separation or recovery of the glycocalyx, which material is mixed with another material in a further step in order finally to obtain the To form product. Depending on the nature of the other material material properties can be tuned. So it is possible with one

inventive method to produce a building material, but also a wood substitute material. In this case, the properties of the glycocalyx are exploited, with which the microorganisms usually adhere to rock or the like. The glycocalyx has a multiplicity of binding sites, with which a coupling to a surface is possible. This also applies if the glycocalyx is isolated from the microorganisms. Optionally, it is also possible to cleave the glycocalyx prior to mixing with the other material in particular low molecular weight compounds, for. B. by

Hydrolysis in the acidic pH range to tune or optimize material properties. As low molecular weight compounds are those with up to 35

Carbon atoms, which may be any organic compounds or salts thereof.

In the context of the invention are usually fototrophic soil living

Used microorganisms. In this case, the microorganisms can be grown in a water bed, which is preferably covered with an evaporation protection. Temperatures of 10 ° C to 30 ° C for the cultivation of microorganisms have proven to be useful. The cultivation of microorganisms is usually carried out under aerobic conditions at a pH of 8.5 to 9.5. During the cultivation it can also be provided that the microorganisms C0 _{2 is} fed during the breeding. It is particularly preferred that the cultured microorganisms when harvesting with ropes from a breeding medium and then a sedimentation

be subjected. A harvest with ropes is particularly efficient because it is

For example, via a rope with hydrophilic fibers a capillary discharge of biomass or grown microorganisms can be carried out, which are then almost completely separated by sedimentation.

It is not mandatory, but it can be provided that the harvested microorganisms are dried. This allows the microorganisms to be temporarily stored and later processed.

It is favorable, if the Glykokalix by Vorfermentation and subsequent

Ultrasonic treatment is separated from the cell debris. In the pre-fermentation under oxygen release by enzymes, in particular glycosidases, a first hydrolysis or "withering" or loosening of the glycocalyx surrounding the cell wall of the protoplasts takes place

Glycocalyx be separated from the remaining cell remains (protoplasm and cell wall). The pre-fermentation is preferably carried out anaerobically at a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can also be provided that one or more detergents are added to a mixture present after the pre-fermentation before the ultrasound treatment. This facilitates separation of the glycocalyx during the

Sonication. According to the invention it can be provided that the remaining cell residues are subjected to alcohol fermentation or acid fermentation. This has the advantage that the

If appropriate, microorganisms can be completely processed into a product and, in principle, no residues of the microorganisms are produced. In this case, part of the remaining cell residues of the alcohol fermentation and the remaining part of the cell residues may be subjected to acid fermentation. It is also possible to subject the remainder of the cell remains to either alcoholic fermentation or acid fermentation only. Which fermentation or fermentation combination is used and in which proportion the remaining cell residues are optionally fed to an alcohol fermentation or an acid fermentation depends on the properties of the material or product to be produced.

It may be provided, although this is not mandatory that the or

Fermentations subjected to cell debris. In this case, the purification may comprise a separation of fermentation products into a light fraction and a heavy fraction, the heavy fraction preferably being subjected to a further fermentation is to win acetic acid. In particular, when a building material is to be produced, at least the light fraction can be reacted to form Caiciumcarboxylaten. From the carboxylates can be obtained by photocatalysis CaO and / or Ca (OH) ₂ , which can serve for setting a solid product. In this case, a hydraulically settable binder can be generated or obtained by adding clay minerals. The photocatalysis is preferably carried out in an oxidative environment.

As mentioned above, the recovered glycocalyx may be used as such or, if desired, split before mixing with the at least one other material. If the latter is provided, the glycocalyx obtained is preferably at least partially split into uronic acids and glycosides prior to mixing.

For the production of a building material can be provided that the obtained glycocalix, optionally after cleavage in preferably low molecular weight compounds, with sand and at least one binder, in particular a calcium compound such as

Calcium carboxylate, calcium oxide and / or calcium hydroxide is mixed to form the product after curing. Sand or lime sand (CaC0 ₃ and / or MgC0 ₃ ) thereby form the filler, the glycocalyx or its cleavage products a cement to hold the sand particles together, and the calcium compound the setting on curing binder. In the production of a building material, a ratio of glycocalyx or its particular low molecular weight cleavage products to sand is advantageously 0.5 to 1.5, preferably 0.75 to 1.25. A ratio of glycocalyx or its low molecular weight cleavage products to the binder is advantageously from 1, 5 to 2.5, preferably from 1.75 to 2.25. If a building material is produced, it may optionally also be provided that the product is foamed before hardening. This can be achieved if the product for foaming to a temperature of more than 70 ° C, preferably more than 80 ° C, heated and subjected to a vacuum. When the mixture, which has not yet set and is still free to flow, is brought to temperature, this is due to the presence of the mixture Water a corresponding pressure. If a negative pressure is subsequently applied, boiling occurs, which leads to foaming of the crude product. In this way, for example, foamed structural panels can be produced. It is also possible that the glycocalyxe obtained, optionally after cleavage in low molecular weight compounds, with wood particles, especially wood flour is mixed. In this way, an artificial wood can be produced, the recovered glycocalyx provides for an effective composite of the individual wood particles. Before a gelatinization, which is initiated by an increase in temperature, the raw material or the mixture of glycocalyx and wood particles can be brought into a specific shape, for example a profile. It is also possible to press the mixture formed with the wood particles, for example to plates. Also an extrusion to bars or the like is possible. The Gelkleisterung and thus the formation of a product in solid form can be done by the mixture formed with wood particles is heated. In general, temperatures of 50 ° C to 80 ° C are sufficient for this purpose.

In the sense of a complete processing of the cultivated microorganisms can also be provided that the obtained glycocalyx, optionally after cleavage in low molecular weight compounds, is mixed with fermentation products of the remaining cell residues. In this way, for example, a kind of bioplastic can be obtained, wherein a gelatinization and thus a formation of a solid product similar to a wood substitute in the temperature range of 50 ° C to 80 ° C can take place.

The further object of the invention is achieved by a solid material, which is produced by a method according to the invention.

A solid material according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that this is at least partially recoverable from microorganisms, wherein the glycocalyx or their cleavage products serve as a cement in the solid material.

The further object of the invention is achieved by a use of microorganisms isolated glycocalyx or fission products thereof for a building material, in particular a plate-shaped building material. The building material can be foamed. Of Further, the object is also achieved by using microorganisms-isolated glycocalyx or fission products thereof for building materials with wood particles.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments illustrated below. In the drawings, to which reference is made, show:

Fig. 1 shows a microorganism;

 Fig. 2 to 6 are schematic representations of inventive method;

Fig. 7 is a detailed diagram for producing a foamed building material;

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a photocatalysis for the preparation of

Lime sludge.

In Fig. 1, a microorganism is schematically shown, which comprises a glycocalyx. The microorganism has a protoplasm surrounded by a cell wall. Around the cell wall, the microorganism is surrounded by a glycocalyx.

 Microorganisms which form a glycocalyx are to be found in particular among the unicellular, capsalic photosynthetic soil bacteria or unicellular eukaryotic species.

This may be Chromalveolates, for example, from the order Chlorococcales, z. B. Gloecystis or Coenocystis, so living in the Erdkrume

 Green algae. Microorganisms that are formed with a glycocalyx can with this

Stick layer between or on rock granules.

FIGS. 2 to 6 show process sequences for processes according to the invention in which the glycocalyx of microorganisms or their cleavage products are used to produce a product. The product produced may in particular be a building material, a plastic-like product or a composite material. It is also possible to produce ecological lubricants or solidifying biocompatible products such as a gelatin substitute.

Starting point in a method according to the invention is an cultivation of biomass or microorganisms which form a glycocalyx. After growing the biomass, the microorganisms are harvested. Subsequently, a so-called

Vorfermentation, in which in a manner to be explained, a compound of Cell wall and Glykokalix is loosened. Subsequently, a mechanical separation of the glycocalyx from the remaining cell residues, namely the protoplasts together with the cell wall, take place. The mechanical separation is preferably supported or initiated by ultrasound. Subsequently, the glycocalix can be separated off via a decanter, as shown in the schematic process sequences according to FIGS. 2 and 4 and 5. These process steps are identical in all processes according to FIGS. 2 and 4 and 5 and are the starting point for the production of a material

Glykokalixanteilen or optionally fractions of Glykokalix cleavage products. After the separation of the glycocalyx, the remaining cell remains or

Protoplasts with cell walls. Although these constituents of the microorganisms do not necessarily have to be further processed, this is preferably provided within the scope of the invention. The protoplasts, optionally together with cell walls, are preferably subjected to one or more fermentations. In this case, according to FIG. 2, to which reference is made below, initially carboxylic acid can be obtained. The carboxylic acid is then converted to a calcium carboxylate and then subjected to an electrochemical reaction under ultraviolet light irradiation, with a certain amount of sand being added to the calcium carboxylate. As a result, calcium oxide (CaO) and / or calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH) ₂ ) is recovered. On the other hand, the glycocalyx which has been isolated can be split in a hydrolysis to give low molecular weight compounds, for example, uronic acid esters. These low molecular weight cleavage products can finally be mixed with sand by means of the binder CaO and / or Ca (OH) ₂ indirectly obtained via the fermentation of the remaining cell residues or protoplasts. As a result, a viscous raw mass is obtained. As such, this viscous raw material can form a building material even after the binder has set. A mixing ratio of the components glycocalyx or cleavage products thereof to binder (CaO and / or Ca (OH) ₂ ) and sand is preferably (0.75 to 1.5): 0.5: (0.75 to 1.5) , However, it may preferably be, as shown in Fig. 2, that the viscous, that is still flowable raw mass is subjected to an expansion process in which the viscous raw material is foamed. As a result, porous building materials, such as building materials, win. In this case, curing takes place after foaming. In Fig. 3, the process flow of FIG. 2 is shown in a greatly simplified manner. As can be seen, the biomass used in the process is fully utilized to arrive at a concrete-like solid product. In Fig. 4 is a similar method as shown in Fig. 2, wherein, however, the

Fermentation of protoplasts is divided into two separate fermentation steps IIa and IIb. In the first fermentation step IIa, as shown in FIG. 2, at least one carboxylic acid is formed. According to the fermentation step IIb, however, glycerol is recovered, which is added as the recovered glycocalyx and sand of the viscous crude mass. Subsequently, a solidification or hardening of the viscous raw mass can take place immediately. It is also possible, according to Fig. 4, that in turn an expansion process for the production of a porous building material follows. Incidentally, a method according to FIG. 4 also comprises an energy recovery by

Wood combustion, although other types of biomass conversion can be provided. The resulting potash is used for the production of potassium hydroxide, which in turn serves for pH regulation in the electrochemical reaction for the recovery of CaO and / or Ca (OH) ₂ . The other by-products that are generated are also used in the process. What is important is that from the

Wood combustion-derived flue gases are passed over a biofilter and to increase productivity in biomass cultivation and breeding of

Microorganisms are usable. In turn, S0 ₂ removed from the flue gas can be used in fermentation IIb in order to obtain the highest possible yield of glycerol. FIG. 5 shows a method which operates essentially the same as the methods illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. In contrast to the method according to FIGS. 2 to 4, however, sand is not used during the mixing of the components obtained from the microorganisms, but wood meal. Thus, a mass can be mixed, which can be pressed after pressing and pasting at a temperature of about 50 ° C to 80 ° C to building boards that are wood-like. In addition, the carboxylic acids from the fermentation are used to prepare the product. This means that ultimately the microorganisms are fully utilized for the product and their separated constituents or conversion products thereof are found in the final product. In Fig. 6, a method is shown, which manages completely without foreign additives, which are not obtained from the cultivated microorganisms. In this case, again in the manner described above, a separation of glycocalyx and optionally a conversion into cleavage products, for example by hydrolysis. The remaining cell residues are again subjected to fermentation, wherein

Carboxylic acid and glycerol is recovered. By mixing the appropriate

Ingredients and Verkleistern can be obtained a kind of bioplastic, which is solid and durable and based solely on biomass or cultivated microorganisms as a starting material.

FIG. 7 shows individual process steps, which are used in particular in a method for obtaining a building material according to FIGS. 2 to 4, in greater detail. The individual process steps, which are designated by I to XVI, are used analogously also in the production of a wood-like material or a bioplastic, as far as the individual process steps according to FIG. 7 are required in these processes.

According to FIG. 7, a biomass cultivation IV is provided. It will be

Cultured microorganisms that form a glycocalyx. The cultivation takes place in one or more pools, which are covered with an evaporation protection, preferably a hydrophobic film. The water baths are usually kept at a temperature of 10 ° C to 30 ° C. A pH is adjusted in a range of 8.5 to 9.5, which gives optimum conditions for cultivation of the microorganisms under aerobic conditions.

According to FIG. 7, an energy center (I) can be provided, with which energy is obtained for the operation of the method. The resulting flue gas is fed into a flue gas storage, in which carbon dioxide (C0 ₂ ) is separated, which can be supplied to the one or more pools in order to maximize growth of microorganisms. At the same time, the flue gas is in a countercurrent process

Sulfur dioxide (S0 ₂ ) is eliminated by obtaining sulfite or gypsum.

A harvest of the microorganisms from the pool or by means of

Fleece rope technique (III). This fine-fiber, fine ropes are slowly through a Circulated water basins so that the microorganisms get stuck due to capillary forces on the ropes.

The recovered algae or microorganisms are separated in a next step (VI). The separation initially comprises a pre-fermentation, which takes place in a suitably designed reactor with stirrer. In this pre-fermentation, which is carried out with common enzymes such as glycosidases, there is no complete separation of the glycocalyx from the remaining cell debris, but only a "wilting" which significantly loosens the strong cell wall-glycocalyx association Conditions are carried out at a pH of 6 to 7. By this process, it is believed that the glycocalyx can be loosened so far that in a next step, a mechanical separation of the glycocalypate from the remaining cell remains is possible to facilitate a separation Detergents may first be added before mechanical separation of the glycocalyx from the other constituents, namely protoplasts and cell walls, is carried out by ultrasound treatment The glycocalyx may then be used as such per se for the production of a product nation IIa or IIb supplied. Fermentation IIa is followed by acid fermentation (VIII). Under aerobic conditions, the

Protoplasts reacted with the use of suitable enzymes primarily to acetic acid. Part of the protoplasts or optionally in an alternative also the entire portion can be fed to a fermentation IIb or alcohol fermentation. In this case, sulfite can be used to keep a high sulfur content and thus in the

Alcohol fermentation primarily to obtain glycerol, which can be used as described above for certain products. The remainder is primarily ethanol (VII).

The products obtained from the fermentations IIa or IIb can, but this is not mandatory, still be purified (IX). Also not mandatory, but can be provided that the isolated glycocalyx is dried (V), optionally also a degree of moisture can be adjusted.

In a further step, a hydrolysis of the Glykokalixmasse done, with a separation into low molecular weight products such as uronic acids and glycosides occurs (XI). The usually acidic hydrolysis, which preferably takes place at a pH of <4, is as shown in Fig. 7 suitably coupled with a basic condensation reaction. In the basic condensation reaction, an increase in viscosity occurs

Cleavage of water, wherein recovered carboxylic acids, especially uronic acids from the glycocalyme are esterified with glycerol. Further, at an elevated pH, the calcium carboxylates recovered from calcareous sand and acetic acid are stripped off as products, which subsequently undergo photo-catalysis to give CaO and / or Ca (OH) ₂

can be further processed, as shown in Fig. 8. A photocatalytic cleavage of the calcium carboxylates can by substance concentration before

Photocatalyst be made more efficient, wherein suitably a voltage for the electrophoresis is applied. A pH adjustment can be used with

 Chlorophyll derivatives take place, which are recoverable from the light fraction in step IX.

In a further step (XIII), sand, glycocalyx or cleavage products thereof and a binder in the form of CaO and / or Ca (OH) ₂ are mixed together to form a viscous raw material. This viscous raw mass can then be cured to form a dense or pore-free material to a building material. However, it is also possible, according to further steps (XV) to press the still viscous raw material and at the same time to heat it. The viscous raw mass can be guided into a chamber in which a vacuum can spontaneously be applied to the heated, viscous raw mass, which as a rule has a temperature of about 70 ° C. to 100 ° C. As a result, the water present in the viscous raw mass begins to boil, resulting in the formation of pores in the viscous raw mass. After curing, a porous building material can be obtained, which can then be delivered (XVI).

Claims

claims 1. A process for producing a product using microorganisms, characterized in that microorganisms forming a glycocalyx are grown, after which the microorganisms are harvested, followed by harvesting  Microorganisms, the glycocalyx is separated from the remaining cell residues and the resulting glycocalyx mixed with at least one other material to form the product, wherein the recovered glycocalyx optionally before mixing in Connections can be split. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that phototrophic soil-living microorganisms are used. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the Microorganisms are grown in a waterbed. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the waterbed is covered with an evaporation protection. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the microorganisms are grown at a temperature of 10 ° C to 30 ° C. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the microorganisms are grown under aerobic conditions at a pH of 8.5 to 9.5. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the microorganisms during the cultivation C0 _{2 is} supplied. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cultivated microorganisms are guided during harvesting with ropes from a culture medium and then subjected to sedimentation. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the harvested microorganisms are dried. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the glycocalix by pre-fermentation and subsequent ultrasonic treatment of the Cell residues is separated. 1 1. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the pre-fermentation is performed anaerobically at a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a present after the pre-fermentation mixture before the ultrasonic treatment, one or more detergents are added. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the remaining cell residues are subjected to alcohol fermentation or acid fermentation. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a part of the remaining cell residues of the alcoholic fermentation and the remaining part of the cell residues is subjected to acid fermentation. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the cell residue or the subjected to fermentation are cleaned. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the purification comprises a separation of fermentation products into a light fraction and a heavy fraction. 17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the heavy fraction is subjected to a further fermentation to recover acetic acid. 18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that at least the light fraction is reacted to form calcium carboxylates. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that from the Calcium carboxylates by photocatalysis CaO and / or Ca (OH) _{2 is} recovered. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that in the photocatalysis by admixture of clay minerals, a hydraulically settable binder is obtained. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the Photocatalysis is carried out in an oxidative environment. 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the glycocix obtained before mixing at least partially in uronic acids and Glycosides is split. 23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the recovered glycocalyx, optionally after cleavage in particular low molecular weight compounds, with sand and at least one binder, in particular one Calcium compound such as a calcium carboxylate, calcium oxide and / or Calcium hydroxide, is mixed to form the product after curing. 24. Process according to claim 23, characterized in that a ratio of glycocalyx or its cleavage products to sand is 0.5 to 1.5, preferably 0.75 to 1.25. 25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that a Ratio of glycocalyx or its cleavage products to the binder is 1.5 to 2.5, preferably 1.75 to 2.25. 26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the product is foamed before curing. 27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the product for foaming to a temperature of more than 70 ° C, preferably more than 80 ° C, heated and subjected to a negative pressure. 28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the recovered glycocalyx, optionally after cleavage in low molecular weight compounds, with wood particles, in particular wood flour, is mixed. 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the with Wood particles formed mixture is pressed. 30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the mixture formed with the wood particles is heated to form the product in solid form. 31. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the recovered glycocalyx, optionally after cleavage in low molecular weight compounds, is mixed with fermentation products of the remaining cell residues. 32. Solid material, obtainable according to one of claims 1 to 31. 33. Use of microorganisms isolated glycocalyx or fission products thereof for a building material, in particular a plate-shaped building material. 34. Use according to claim 33, wherein the building material is foamed. 35. Use of microorganisms isolated glycocalyx or fission products thereof for building materials with wood particles.