F.A.Q.

What are Lentikats biocatalysts? Lentikats biocatalysts are generally understood as biologically active agents in the form of microorganisms, enzymes, and cells that are immobilzed (encapsulated) in a polyvinylalcohol (PVA) matrix, gel. 

What is Lentikats Biotechnology? Lentikats Biotechnology encompasses the entire production process and operational conditions involved in the utilization of Lentikats biocatalyst. Our Biotechnology also includes machine-engineering technology for users of Lentikats biocatalysts.

What are the lifetime, mechanical decomposition and biological degradation limits of Lentikats biocatalysts? The matrix (carrier) for immobilzation is polyvinylalcohol-based. PVA is a polymeric, plastic substance defined by its elasticity and biological, anti-degredation properties. Based on these realities, the lifetime of Lentikats biocatlyzers is dependant upon the type of biological substance encapsulated. When preserved under optimal conditions, the physiological state of immobilized microorganisms may remain stable for several years. In the case of immobilzed enzymes, the lifetime of Lentikats biocatalyzers is dependant upon the rate of decilne in the activity of enzymes during repeated conversions.

How does Lentikats biotechnology provide increased efficiency in fermentation processes, produce higher yields, and increase volume productivity? These results are due to the fact that once biomass is created, it may be utilized repeatedly over a long period of time under conditions where the decline of biological activity is controlled. The biomass is reused until its decline in activity reaches the lowest acceptable value. Once biomass has been created, organic mediums (i.e. saccharides) are depleted only during the production of metabolites, as opposed to for the creation of biomass. This is the principle upon which Lentikats Biotechnology offers increased yields of up to 95-98%.

With Lentikats biocatalysts, biomass is present in the fermenter in a concentration many times higher than with traditional technologies. This leads to a significant reduction in the amount of time necessary for the conversion of mediums to metabolites and to the increased volume of machine productivity.

How does Lentikats biotechology decrease byproducts and free biomass? The ratio of free and immobilized biomass to fermantation and/or bioconversions fluctuates around (5-10):(95-90). This means that only 5-10% of the entire amount of biomass passes through the system upon completion of the fermentation and/or bioconversion process. Lentikats biotechnology’s most prominent outcomes are realised when applied in industrial waste water treatment for nitrate pollutants (i.e. N-NH₄⁺, N-NO₃^-, N-NO₂^-). With traditional waste water treatment technology, nitrified and denitrified bacteria is deposited into organotrophic sediment. This dry matter ranges in weight from around 4 g/l with a nitrified bacteria concentration of approx. 1%. If waste water is not polluted with organic substances, it is necessary to use an external agent, i.e. methanol, for the growth of organotrophic sediments. With Lentikats  Biotechnology, nitrified bacteria is immobilzed in the PVA matrix, whereby it becomes unnecessary to import external mediums for organotrophic sediments. This significantly decreases the production of excess sediment.

How are Lentikats biocatalysts isolated from liquid mediums? It depends on the type of process. A simple, screen-like seperator is typically used for immobilization. However, in waste water treatment, a combination membrane separator and screen seperator may apply.

How are Lentikats biocatalysts disposed of? Lentikats biocatalysts belong to a group of hydro- biocatalysts (containing approx. 80% water). Upon expiration of fillers, Lentikats biocatalysts are dried and incinerated and do not cause any ecological or environmental hazards.

How much does the Lentikats Biocatalyst cost? Total costs for elimination of nitrogen using the Lentikats Biocatalyst vary from 50 to 300 CZK/kg of removed nitrogen.

The costs include Lentikats Biocatalyst, lye consumption, consumption of organic substrate and electricity. The price includes depreciations which have significant influence on the final price. Consequently, final price always represents the result of optimization which is made to measure the needs of customer. We offer the Lentikats Biocatalyst in the form of Lentikats Biotechnology Set (Service) in which we guarantee stated parameters. The Lentikats Biotechnology Set includes the delivery of Lentikats Biocatalyst, parameter verification of Lentikats Biotechnology by the help of quality monitoring of input and output water and technological conditions, deliveries and modifications of Lentikats Biocatalyst in such a quality and such intervals so that the required and guaranteed parameters of the Biotechnology would be always assured. In the Lentikats Biocatalyst Set there is also the disposal of used Biocatalyst included whereas we also bear the traffic and other expenses associated with the delivery of our service.