Simulation of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract Production with High Content of 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone by Industrial Bakery Yeast

The anti -cancer properties of fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) have been proven due to the active ingredient benzoquinones, especially 2, 6-dimethoxybenzoquinone (2, 6-DMBQ). In this research, the development of the FWGE production process with a higher content of 2, 6-DMBQ with respect to the bench-scale was considered and simulated by SuperPro Designer (SPD) software. To evaluate the effect of wheat germ granulation, the fermentation process was performed in 250 mL and 2 -liter shake flasks and 3.6- and 13 -liter bioreactors. Then, the possibility of yeast complete separation in the final product was investigated by combining centrifugation in 3000 g and pressure filtration with linen, polyester, polypropylene, and cellulose membranes. A comparison of the dryer type effect including oven, spray dryer, freeze dryer, and rotary vacuum dryer in terms of drying time and final moisture content of FWGE showed that the spray dryer gives the product with the least humidity 5 (w/w)% in the lowest time 15 min. Examination of the effect of granulation also showed that at higher scales, non-granulated wheat germ produces more 2,6-DMBQ. Yeast complete removal from the final product was achieved using initial centrifugation at 3000 g and then a filter press with a combination of polypropylene membranes 8-10 mu m, polyester 5 mu m, and a polymer membrane 1-2 mu m. Finally, the production process on scales of 10, 100, and 1000 liters was simulated by SPD software. Based on investment cost, the Return Rate of Investment (ROI) equaled 4, 1.9, and 0.4 years on scales of 10, 100, and 1000 liters, respectively. These results showed that the scale-up of the FWGE production process significantly decreases the ROI and can be considered a high-value-added production line at higher scales.