Amino acids are produced in a biotechnological process based on fermentation. The desired amino acids have to be separated from the fermentation broth. As its composition fluctuates considerably, many of the proven separating technologies are less efficient than they should be.

To overcome this problem, Evonik Fermas in Slovakia has successfully been using an expanded downstream process for the past two years. It has led to significant improvements in product yields, productivity, production costs, and environmental performance. Currently, they are studying how to further reduce the use of thermal energy in the production of amino acids.

In the expanded downstream process a continuous chromatography process separates the amino acids from the fermentation broth with high selectivity. Thereby it increases product yields. A reverse osmosis process removes water from the broth and, combined with the chromatography process, significantly increases the efficiency of the entire process. In addition, a process monitoring system based on near-infrared spectroscopy allows operating the process in the optimal range.

Evonik is the only company worldwide to produce and market the four most important essential amino acids for modern animal nutrition (methionine, lysine, threonine, and tryptophan).

• Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germeny