This investigation describes the development of a
continuous “cold pasteurisation” process for wine, using a
nano/micro-porous cellulosic material (tubular cellulose,
TC), produced after delignification of wood sawdust, as filter
in a packed column. The packed-bed bioreactor was supplied
with white or red wine contaminated with Saccharomyces
cerevisiae AXAZ-1 or Acetobacter pasteurianus,respective-
ly, at low temperature. The effect of the TC filter size on
microbial load removal was assessed. Scanning electron mi-
crographs showed attachment of cells in the internal surface of
the TC tubes, proving the removal of cells from wine. The
effect of the continuous cold pasteurisation process on wine
quality was examined by analysis of volatile compounds,
organic acids, polyphenols content and colour intensity.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra indi-
cated presence of wine compounds on the TC filter. The
microbial load removal remained constant to 97–100 % for a
long period, with few required filter regenerations, which
were done by washing with hot water (70–80 °C). The sim-
plicity of the proposed process, and the low cost and abun-
dance of the TC material can provide an alternative to existing
expensive technologies for microbial stabilisation of wine
prior to bottling.