Cultor Corporation

Heikki Lommi

Juha Ahvenainen

Roger C Hammond

Wilhelmus J Swinkels

Ben Van Dieren

Timo T Viljava

Wim Swinkels

The invention relates to a bioreactor with immobilized lactic acid bacteria which is characterized in that the bacteria are fixed on the surface of a substantially non-compressible carrier which is composed of a continuous, porous matrix or of dimpled or reticular porous particles, the matrix or the particles having a structure of a loosely associated plurality of microparticles or microfibers which are bound together chemically, adhesively or mechanically at least at some contact points between the individual microparticles or microfibers. Preferably the microparticles or microfibers comprise or consist of a material, preferably a resin, having anion exchanger capability. A preferred embodiment of the carrier includes DEAE-cellulose, the microparticles and microfibers being agglomerated with polystyrene.

Bioreactor with immobilized lactic acid bacteria and the use thereof

The invention relates to a process for the production of substantially non-alcoholic beer by a continuous yeast treatment at a low temperature. In the process, wort which has been clarified and possibly treated by evaporating and/or with an adsorbing agent is passed through a packed column reactor containing immobilized yeast at a temperature ranging between the freezing point of wort and 10.degree. C. The yeast is reactivated at 2.degree. to 15.degree. C. for 10-30 hours. If required, the reactor can be regenerated.

Process for the production of non-alcoholic or low alcohol malt beverage

According to the invention, yeast cells are immobilized on a substantially noncompressible carrier having anion exchange properties. The immobilized yeast can then be used to ferment a sugar-containing substrate. The noncompressibility enables the system to be sterilized and to operate under pressure. A preferred example of the carrier is granular DEAE cellulose.

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Kantvik, Finland

Heikki Lommi