BioSigma Bioleaching Seeds (BBS): A New Technology for Managing Bioleaching Microorganisms

Abstract:

In Bioleaching, although it is already prove that chalcopyrite can be dissolved by microorganisms, a major task is to do it efficiently in economical terms at industrial scale. BioSigma Bioleaching Seeds (BBS) represents a biotechnological breakthrough for the production of bioleaching solutions on demand with high concentrations of biomining microorganisms. This innovation is mainly a product based on the encapsulation of BioSigma bioleaching microorganisms in a natural matrix of alginate. This technology gives the following operational advantages: 1. High concentration of inoculum. 2. Long period of inoculum storage (more than 1 year). 3. Reduction of volume and costs of transport of bioleaching solutions. 4. Homogeneous mineral inoculation; uniform inoculation of the ore using solid capsules. 5. Protection against toxic elements to retain the viability and activity of the bioleaching solutions. 6. Addition of additives for incorporation of nutrients or other molecules that enhance the activity. 7. Encapsulation of different bioleaching microorganisms producing specific "bioleaching seeds" for each biohydrometallurgical process. All the above advantages make this new technology a very attractive alternative to enhance bioleaching processes at on site operations and overcome stressful conditions for biomining microorganisms.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 305-308
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.305
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Patricio Martínez, Pilar Parada
• Keywords: Alginate, BBS, Bioleaching, Capsule, Inoculation, Leptospirillum, Seeds, Wenelen

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