Improved performances and control of beer fermentation using encapsulated alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase and modeling

Biotechnol Prog. 2000 Nov-Dec;16(6):958-65. doi: 10.1021/bp000128k.

Abstract

The use of the enzyme alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase allows the acceleration of beer fermentation/maturation because it shunts diacetyl formation, whose elimination is the rate-limiting step of the process. To obtain a cost reduction by using this exogenous enzyme, we propose a new process involving recoverable encapsulated alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase. The performance of traditional and new processes was investigated by a modeling approach. A simple model, focused on alpha-acetolactate and diacetyl profiles during beer fermentation, was set up. The simulated profiles are consistent with literature data. This study shows also that encapsulated alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase allows the acceleration of beer fermentation as efficiently as free alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase. The advantage of immobilized alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase versus free enzyme is that it is recoverable and reusable, which means a process cost reduction.

MeSH terms

  • Acetoin Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Beer*
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Carboxy-Lyases / metabolism*
  • Fermentation
  • Food Handling*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Chemical*

Substances

  • Acetoin Dehydrogenase
  • Carboxy-Lyases
  • acetolactate decarboxylase