PROIMI PILOT PLANTS
The Microbiological Industrial Processes Pilot Plant, PROIMI, is an Executing Unit of CONICET, focused on the development of industrial processes related to BIOTECHNOLOGY. The main lines of research are focused on microbial biotechnology and fermentation processes related to the production of industrial metabolites, proteins, biopolymers, microbial lipids, bioremediation or biomass of interest from bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi. PROIMI's mission is to transfer research results to the productive sector and to society, provide services and support for the integration, adaptation, innovation and optimization of biotechnological processes.
Bioprocesses involving microorganisms for the production of biomass and/or metabolites of industrial interest are designed, optimized and scaled. We have extensive experience in the development and formulation of products for the agricultural, livestock, food, chemical, oil, and veterinary industries, among others. Friendly environmental solutions are also offered through biological control of agricultural pests and treatment of industrial effluents.
PROIMI has two complementary pilot plants: one with reactors with volumes from 1 to 500 liters and another to carry out bioprocesses under conditions of good manufacturing practices (GMP) on a scale of 1 to 1,500 liters. Both plants have osmosis water facilities and services, boilers, cold rooms and biofreezers; tangential filtration and separation by continuous centrifugation; spray drying and freeze dryers. PROIMI's pilot plant with GMP capabilities is the first of its kind in a public institution in all of Latin America; today, it is the only plant with these characteristics in the public sector of Argentina. It is designed to respond to the needs of the industry, as well as to transfer the results of research to the productive sector and to society.
With its capabilities, PROIMI is committed to education at all levels within the framework of the Public University. The institution carries out undergraduate and postgraduate theses (master's, doctoral and postdoctoral) in areas of knowledge related to the faculties of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, the Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology, and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Miguel Institute. Lillo from the UNT, with the objective of training researchers, technicians and highly qualified human professionals to produce knowledge and added value.
The Microbiological Industrial Processes Pilot Plant, whose research and development infrastructure dedicated to microbial biotechnology, aims to transfer research, development and innovation results to the productive sector and to society.
SERVICES OFFERED BY PROIMI
These include a wide range of areas related to biotechnology and microbiology, with a focus on the development, improvement and optimization of bioprocesses. Some of the specific services that stand out include the screening and isolation of strains of industrial interest, the optimization of microbial processes, the development and scaling of bioprocesses, process control, and the genetic improvement of industrial strains.
Consulting services are also offered for the design of fermentation plants and feasibility studies, as well as biological systems for the preservation of postharvest fruits and the production of inoculants, isolation and production of microbial enzymes, and the degradation of pesticides and agrochemicals.
Other areas of interest that PROIMI addresses include biomolecule processing, yield and productivity studies, and quality control services for raw materials and products. In general, the services offered by PROIMI are adapted to the specific needs and requirements of each client or requirement of other institutions of the National Science and Technology system; and custom projects can be developed as needed.
CRITICAL EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES AT OUR PLANTS
Our pilot plants have critical equipment and services for bioprocesses and technologies in the research and development of new products, with the following capabilities and services:
Purified water: allows to obtain high quality and pure water for use in the production processes by filtration, deionization, reverse osmosis and sterilization.
Clean steam generator: it is critical equipment for the production of high-quality steam that is used in sterilization, cleaning, and other critical processes. It features automatic temperature and pressure controls to ensure a stable and reliable supply of steam.
Aeration filter: used to remove impurities and particles from the air in production processes, capable of filtering particles with high retention efficiency.
Air Compressor – to supply clean, dry compressed air at stable pressures and flows to production processes.
Air dryer: to remove moisture from compressed air before use, capable of reducing the dew point of the air to adequate levels to prevent corrosion and deterioration of equipment and products.
Buffer tank: to store water, steam or compressed air and guarantee a stable and constant supply to production processes, with adequate capacity and equipped with sensors and controls to maintain pressure and temperature levels.
Ventilation and air conditioning system: critical system to maintain a safe and comfortable work environment in the pilot plant and guarantee indoor air quality.
Industrial steam: supplies high pressure and temperature steam used in high energy production processes, with controls and safety valves to guarantee a safe and reliable supply.
Cooling water: to control the temperature of production equipment and processes, available through a network of pipes with controls and monitoring systems to guarantee a stable and safe supply.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Technology transfer and research cooperation with THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES
YPF and YPF-Tecnología, Papel del Tucumán, Ingenio Ledesma, ATANOR, Fleischmann of Uruguay and Colombia, DECCO, CAPSA Interenergy, Pan American Energy, AGRIMONT, (MONTEDISON group, Italy).
ATANOR
ARCOR MISKY
SUGAR J.M. TERAN
CITROMAX S.A.C.I.
SAN MIGUEL CITRUS
COPRATUC
BIOPOLIS, Spain
BIOSIDUS
3M SRL ESTABLISHMENTS
THE TOTORAL
INTA
EL TABACAL MILL
SCANIA
LA CUCARDA S.R.L.
LEDESMA S.A.
MINERA LA ALUBRERA LTD
JOSÉ LÓPEZ MILLS
REFINER
REFINERIAS DE MAÍZ S.A
SANCOR
TECNOVINC
YPF
sidus
VERACRUZ
ARCOR
YTEC
ST MICHAEL
Scientific cooperation agreements with the following academic institutions:
Argentine National Universities
University of Bonn, Botanical Institute (Germany)
University of Dueseldorf, Institute of Enzyme technology (Germany)
Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth-Co.Kildare (Ireland)
Jawarjarlal Nehru University, School of Life Sciences (India)
University of Lund, Department of Biotechnology (Sweden)
Complutense University of Madrid, Department of Chemical Engineering (Spain)
University of the Republic, Faculty of Chemical Sciences (Uruguay)
Misael Saracho University, Faculty of Engineering (Bolivia)
National University of San Simón, Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmacy (Bolivia)
State University of Campinas (Brazil)
Catholic University of Valparaiso (Chile)
University of Konstanz, (Germany)
University of Asturias, Institute of Dairy Products (Spain)
Free University of Brussels, (Belgium)
University of Lima, (Peru)
AICIDCA - Cuban Institute of Sugar Cane Research (Cuba)
Network: ALFA/BIOENGE Biochemical Engineering. Members:
St. Andrews University (Scotland)
University of Lund (Sweden)
Polytechnic Institute (Portugal)
University of Murcia (Spain)
State University of Campinas (Brazil)
Catholic University of Valparaiso (Chile)
University of Recife (Brazil)
University of Blumenau (Brazil)