Nutraceuticals
Enzymes
Enzymes, defined as macromolecular biological catalysts, are responsible for thousands of metabolic processes and are located in every living cell. Highly selective, they accelerate both the rate and specificity of metabolic reactions, from the digestion of food (breaking down starch, protein, fat or sugar) to the synthesis of DNA without being expended themselves. Most enzymes are proteins, although catalytic RNA molecules have been identified.
Extraction of Enzymes by Homogenization
The rupture of microbial cells is an essential first step in this process and the increasing use of high-pressure homogenization to obtain intracellular enzymes and organelIes is gaining in importance. It enables the extraction of intracellular substances without needing to use solvents or other chemicals to initiate cell wall breakage.
Extraction of Enzymes by Separation
The separators and decanters from GEA ensure that the intracellular and extracellular enzymes are separated undamaged and in high concentrations.
Production of Intracellular Enzymes
Glucose isomerase is an example of an enzyme which converts glucose into fructose and is highly significant in the starch industry. The enzyme is produced and remains in the cells of the employed microorganisms. To process it, the liquid phase of the fermentation broth is separated by centrifuging after fermentation. The concentrated microorganisms are treated further after centrifuging. The cell walls are broken down. Depending on the consistency of the suspension, it is diluted before the cell fragments are separated by continuously operating separators.
Production of Extracellular Enzymes
Separators and decanters from GEA are ideal for the optimum treatment of washing powder enzymes. Carefully purified and sterilized air is injected into a fermenter equipped with an agitator. The air bubbles are distributed in the nutrient solution, which is composed of carbohydrates, protein, growth agents and nutrients. This is sterilized, heated to an optimum temperature and then inoculated with the purified culture of a non-pathogenic microorganism. The microorganisms nourish themselves by converting the substances and simultaneously produce the enzymes. These are then excreted to the fermentation broth. After fermentation, the microorganisms are separated by adding a flocculent and centrifuging with separators and decanters. Succeeding stages of washing and polishing with centrifuges further increase the yield and the purity of the enzymes.
Products & Technologies
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Aseptic valves & components
Aseptic valves face exceptionally high demands within UltraClean and Aseptic processes. You can be assured that they all provide highest quality in terms of hygienic design and sustainability.
Centrifugal Separator
GEA separators are designed for liquid-based applications. Using centrifugal force, they are used for separating suspensions consisting of two or more phases of different densities, i.e. they can be used for liquid-liquid separation, for liquid-liquid-solid separation or for liquid-solid separation. They are equally as effective at separating liq...
CIP/SIP Solutions
Innovative CIP concepts of GEA meet comprehensive high standards. Our experts guarantee product safety at every point of the process. Every upgrade is adapted to individual local conditions and customer requirements and leads to noticeable savings.
Homogenizer Compression Block
GEA compression heads are the homogenizer pulsing core since they activate the homogenization process pumping the product at high pressure until it flows inside the homogenizing valve.
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GEA Insights
GEA reports profitable growth for 2025 and expects accelerated revenue growth
GEA’s past fiscal year was one of significant growth and further profitability gains. In particular, the technology group substantially increased order intake, with all divisions contributing here. GEA also made progress in all Mission 30 strategic growth areas. In addition, GEA met key interim targets under its climate plan ahead of schedule. Major milestones in fiscal year 2025 were admission to the DAX index, the award of one of the largest contracts in the company’s history, and streamlining of the corporate structure.
How SmartParc is rewriting the rules of food production
Thanks to a new SmartParc manufacturing site, food processors in the U.K. are cutting their running costs and emissions. With GEA heating and cooling technology at its core, this collaborative production model demonstrates how innovation is accelerating the industry’s net-zero ambitions.
The food science playground
“Brewing eggs is like brewing beer.” It’s the kind of comparison that makes you smile – and then it clicks: Something complex suddenly feels simple. Through this personal film, set in the agricultural heartland of the U.S., we explore precision fermentation and the real-world work it takes to turn an idea into food.
