About us
Fermentation Group IFA-Tulln
The fermentation group at IFA-Tulln is dedicated to research and process development in the field of microbial fermentation. Our competence is the design of biotechnological processes including isolation, screening, identification and cultivation of microorganisms and furthermore scale-up into production scale and product formulation. For all these purposes a well-equipped fermentation pilot plant is available at the institute.
Research Topics
Research topics include fermentation of probiotics and animal feed additives, microbiological plant protection agents, and lactic acid fermentation.
In 2005 we started a research project with special focus on the drying and encapsulation of living microorganisms. For this purpose the existing process chain (fermentation, product separation, and lyophilization) of our pilot plant was equipped with a fluidized bed drying and granulation unit. Our research in this field is supported by the regional government of Lower Austria within the Technopol program. Besides providing the equipment for developments in co-operation with industry, the emphasis is on the creation of know-how and the development of licensable or patentable processes in the areas of drying, pelletizing, and coating of fermentation products.
Within the scope of this project four areas of research are covered:
- Drying, granulation, and coating of living microorganisms
- Drying and coating of enzymes
- Drying and granulation of complex cell components (e.g. yeast extract, cell wall components)
- Drying and coating of food and speciality products
Research is concentrated on processes with living microorganisms, followed by enzymes, whereby the focus lies on feed additives, food, and non-food applications. The challenge is the development of innovative processes for product formulation and the optimization of the interactions between fermentation, concentration of products, drying, and formulation.
