As the sugar turns sour

Braunschweiger researchers develop new method for the production of sugar acids

Scientists at the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (vTI) in Braunschweig have developed an innovative method by which various sugars such as dextrose or lactose can be converted into organic acids, which have great potential for industrial use. Furthermore, they report in the current issue of Research Reports, the scientific journal of the Senate of the Federal Research Institute. Catalysts of tiny gold particles are the key to success in the new synthesis method.

Sugar acids ordinary everyday in many different areas. The gluconic produced from glucose serves as a retardant for concrete, is used as an acidity regulator in the cosmetic and food industry, is in the paper industry for use and is also in the pharmaceutical industry is important because are better absorbed with their trace elements such as zinc and calcium from the body ,

To date, gluconic acid is the only sugar acid that can be produced on a larger scale. Microorganisms or enzymes isolated from them are used for this purpose, but the productivity is low and the purification of the resulting product is expensive. The technologists at the vTI took a completely different approach. They used the chemical properties of extremely small gold particles and developed catalysts in which 2-5 nanometer small gold particles are fixed on a carrier medium (1 nanometer is 1 millionth of a millimeter). These catalysts are inexpensive to produce and convert the sugar very specifically without any disruptive by-products. The chemical process opens up completely new perspectives, since types of sugar other than glucose can also be used and new sugar acids can be produced.

The process, which has since been patented, is currently being put into practice. Tests in a pilot plant operated by Südzucker AG were successful. Sugar as a renewable raw material thus faces a "golden future".

The article "Golden Times for Sugar" was published in the 1/2009 issue of the popular science magazine ForschungsReport. The booklet with the main topic "Plants as renewable raw materials" can be obtained free of charge from the office of the Senate of the Federal Research Institutes, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig. Tel.: 0531 / 596-1016, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots To display JavaScript must be turned on!.

Source: Braunschweig [ vTI ]