Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Ribonucleic acid, or RNA for short, is a nucleic acid composed of many nucleotides. In contrast to the double helix of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), RNA has one strand. One of its most important functions in the cell is to copy genetic information from DNA and translate it into proteins. RNA is as important for the production of tried and tested drugs like Nystatin (an antimycotic) as it is for the development of new active ingredients.
Integrated process line from GEA Westfalia Separator for producing ribonucleic acid
Yeast extract is required to obtain RNA, and this has to be obtained from fermented molasses. In a first separation process, nozzle separators initially have the task of separating the yeast cells from the fermentation liquid. In order to achieve as clean as possible a yeast cell, free of all fermentation residues, a two to 3-stage installation is required to separate and wash the cells.
Once the yeast concentrate is present, the yeast cell has to be disintegrated. This step is effected with the aid of enzymes and a salt solution in the so-called autolysis process. Once the yeast cells have been disintegrated and the intracellular constituents transferred to the free liquid, the important thing is to separate the liquid containing RNA from cell fragments. Nozzle separators are also used for this (multi-stage) separation process. The pure RNA as a raw material for the pharmaceutical industry and other sectors is then obtained by precipitation. Following condensation and drying, a powder is obtained which just requires packing.