Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2015-2017
Title: Yasuhiko Katoh: Innovator in Alcoholic Fermentation Technologies
Introduction
Yasuhiko Katoh, an accomplished inventor based in Fukuoka, Japan, has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology with his innovative work in alcoholic fermentation. With a total of three patents to his name, Katoh is recognized for his pioneering approaches to enhancing ethanol production processes.
Latest Patents
Among his latest inventions is a groundbreaking patent for an alcoholic fermentation yeast and a method for producing ethanol using this yeast. The key challenge addressed by this invention is the provision of a yeast strain that demonstrates resistance to limonene, a known fermentation inhibitor. This yeast, deposited under No. NITE BP-890, can thrive in environments with limonene concentrations of 0.1-0.5 wt %. Katoh's method promises to optimize ethanol production by employing this resilient yeast.
Another notable patent involves a device and method for producing ethanol, designed for efficient recycling of enzymes. The device features a vacuum distillation tower that processes ethanol-fermented liquids obtained from the saccharification fermentation of biomass. By operating under lower-than-atmospheric pressure, this innovative setup distills ethanol vapor while simultaneously removing enzyme-containing waste products. Efficiency is further enhanced by including a first compressor, which adiabatically compresses the ethanol vapor prior to introduction into a fractionating tower.
Career Highlights
Yasuhiko Katoh has worked with prestigious organizations, including Nippon Steel and Sumikin Engineering Co., Ltd., where he contributed to advancements in engineering applications relevant to fermentation processes. His role in these companies has helped shape the landscape of contemporary ethanol production technologies.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Katoh has engaged in collaborative efforts with talented colleagues such as Takafumi Kiuchi and Praneetrattananon Suthasinee. Together, they have pushed the boundaries of research in alcoholic fermentation, making significant strides in improving production methods and yeast performance.
Conclusion
In summary, Yasuhiko Katoh stands out as a notable inventor in the domain of alcoholic fermentation. Through his innovative patents and collaborative efforts, he has played a pivotal role in advancing ethanol production technologies, marking his significance in the field of biotechnology. His work not only addresses existing challenges but also paves the way for future innovations in sustainable fermentation processes.