The benefits of applied research: 37 years of discoveries, adaptations and solutions

Abstract

The authors’ work started in fermentation in 1977 and in the 1980’s into sugar production and cane quality. Statistical analysis was a key factor for the success of improving yield in ethanol and sugar production as well as cane quality. Adaption of methods for industrial laboratories also was very important in relation to yield and in reduction of sugar losses in the factory. Methodologies to measure sugar losses occurring through degradation in the factory (evaporation) using ion chromatography and dry substance content with a digital density meter were adapted. The fermentation yield improved from 75% in 1977 to 92% in 2014, which was possible by adapting methods for live bacterial counting within 20 min, and by controlling contamination using antimicrobial products through research in the laboratory and the industry. Since 1990 yeasts for industrial fermentation were selected by karyotyping analysis of the nuclear chromosomes and in the last seven years based on mitochondrial DNA. The last technique made the “Process Driven Selection” possible, i.e. one or several yeast strains which fit each distillery. Floc formation in carbonated beverages is not only due to the Indicator Value (discovery by SPRI research group) but also to aconitic acid and calcium under Brazilian conditions.