Bactoferm: Redefining Antimicrobial Protection in Grain and Molasses Fermentation

Fermentation is at the heart of grain- and molasses-based industries, driving the production of bioethanol, alcoholic beverages, starch derivatives, and other high-value products. Yet, one persistent challenge undermines both yield and stability: bacterial contamination.

Whether it’s lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus, exopolysaccharide-producing strains, or wild microbial invaders, these contaminants thrive in warm, nutrient-rich fermentation environments. Their presence leads to yield losses, extended cycle times, unstable fermentations, and increased costs.

To tackle this silent but costly problem, industries need antimicrobial solutions that are not only effective but also broad-spectrum, highly concentrated, and process-friendly. This is where Bactoferm, a next-generation antimicrobial from The Catalysts Group, emerges as a game-changer.

---

The Hidden Enemy in Fermentation: Bacterial Contamination

Grains and molasses naturally carry a microbial load. When processed for fermentation, they provide sugars, nutrients, and warmth—perfect growth conditions for bacteria. The consequences are significant:

• Yield Losses: Contamination can reduce ethanol yield by up to 10% per ton of feedstock, mainly due to lactic acid stress on yeast.
• Stuck Fermentation: Lactic acid bacteria divert sugars, acidify the broth, and slow yeast activity, resulting in incomplete fermentation.
• Increased Viscosity and Foaming: EPS(Exopolysaccharide)-producing bacteria generate sticky mash and foam, complicating handling.
• Operational Disruptions: Frequent clean-in-place (CIP) shutdowns and inconsistent cycle times erode efficiency.

Clearly, preventing contamination is not just about science—it is about safeguarding profitability.

---

What Makes Bactoferm Different?

Bactoferm is a broad-spectrum and highly concentrated antimicrobial solution designed specifically for molasses and grain fermentation. Developed through extensive R&D on microbial strains isolated from diverse regions, it delivers targeted control over a wide range of undesirable bacteria at dosages as low as 0.5 ppm.

Unlike conventional antibiotics or antimicrobials, Bactoferm leverages the synergistic effect of multiple antimicrobial agents, ensuring stronger efficacy and reduced resistance risk.

Key Features

• High Antimicrobial Efficacy
  Its broad-spectrum action controls Lactobacillus and other bacterial contaminants more effectively than traditional antibiotic formulations.
• Process-Friendly
  Highly concentrated, water-soluble, and requiring only small dosages, Bactoferm minimizes handling challenges. A 100 g pack size avoids wastage and simplifies logistics.
• Reliable Performance
  Demonstrated to achieve >95% bacterial growth reduction at 2 ppm, comparable or superior to standard antibiotics like virginiamycin.

---

How Bcatoferm is saving your plant ?

The application of Bactoferm translates into measurable improvements in plant performance:

1. Increased Fermentation Efficiency
   By controlling bacterial competition, more sugars are available for yeast, resulting in higher ethanol recovery.
2. Higher Yeast Viability
   With reduced lactic acid stress, yeast counts remain strong during propagation, leading to faster fermentation and >20% productivity enhancement.
3. Reduced Yield Losses
   Prevents up to 4 units of ethanol loss per ton of feedstock (equivalent to >100 liters per ton), ensuring maximum returns.
4. Stable Fermentation Cycles
   Overcomes challenges of stuck fermentation, leading to predictable operations and peace of mind for plant managers.
5. Lower Downtime
   By reducing bacterial load, Bactoferm decreases the frequency of CIP shutdowns, translating to higher plant availability.

---

Backed by Science and Expertise

At The Catalysts Group, every product is rooted in research, validation, and industry collaboration. Bactoferm is no exception.

• R&D Excellence: Developed after isolating microbial flora from multiple regions and testing under real fermentation conditions.
• Certified Quality: Manufactured in facilities accredited with FSSC 22000, HALAL, Kosher, and FSSAI certifications.
• Traceability: Every batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring transparency and verifiable performance.
• Customer Support: A trained technical team offers trials, demonstrations, and troubleshooting for optimal results.

---

Performance Efficiency: Data-Driven Validation

Bactoferm has been benchmarked against widely used antimicrobials such as virginiamycin, and the results are compelling.

• General Bacillus Control: At just 1 ppm, Bactoferm achieves growth reduction equivalent to 2 ppm virginiamycin.
• Lactobacillus Control: Both agents achieve >95% reduction at 2 ppm, but Bactoferm provides equivalent results at lower doses.
• Acetic Acid Bacteria: Again, 1 ppm Bactoferm matches the efficacy of 2 ppm virginiamycin, proving superior cost-effectiveness.

This data confirms that Bactoferm delivers strong antimicrobial protection at half the dosage of conventional products, reducing both chemical costs and environmental load.

---

Why to Choose Bactoferm?

• Easy to Use – Simple dosage and pack sizes reduce wastage.
• Lower Total Cost of Operation – By saving ethanol, reducing shutdowns, and cutting reprocessing costs, it pays back quickly.
• Peace of Mind – With stable fermentation, plant managers can focus on productivity, not firefighting microbial issues.
• Trusted Globally – Already adopted by 985+ clients ,23+ countries.

---

The Catalysts Services

• Decades of Experience – Proven knowledge in analyzing molasses and grain fermentation systems worldwide.
• Partnerships with Global Leaders – Exclusive collaborations with companies like Lesaffre (LEAF) for enzymes and Fermentis for brewing.
• Holistic Solutions – From enzymes to antimicrobials, The Catalysts Group offers a portfolio designed for efficiency, recovery, and profitability.
• Customer-Centric Approach – Focus on trials, data, and continuous improvement ensures solutions that work in real-world conditions.

---

Conclusion

Bacterial contamination may be invisible, but its effects are tangible: yield losses, stuck fermentations, wasted energy, and operational stress. For industries where every liter of ethanol or every batch of beer counts, ignoring this threat is not an option.

Bactoferm provides a scientifically validated, broad-spectrum antimicrobial solution that ensures clean fermentations, protects yeast, and delivers consistent results. By preventing up to 10% yield loss, saving over 100 liters of ethanol per ton, and reducing shutdowns, it transforms microbial control from a challenge into a strategic advantage.

For grain and molasses processors looking to future-proof their operations, Bactoferm is more than a product—it is a partner in efficiency, stability, and profitability.