Microorganisms in Industry and Biotechnology
3. Industrial Microbiology
Learning outcomes
- I can explain how microorganisms are used in industrial processes.
- I can identify products manufactured using microbes.
- I can describe the role of bioreactors.
- I can explain how microbes contribute to medicine and manufacturing.
- I can evaluate the economic importance of industrial microbiology.
What Is Industrial Microbiology?
Industrial microbiology is the large-scale use of microorganisms to manufacture useful products or carry out useful processes.
Microorganisms used in industry include:
- bacteria
- yeasts
- molds
- other microscopic fungi
These organisms can act as tiny:
biological factories.
They take in nutrients, carry out chemical reactions, and produce substances that humans can collect and use.
From Microorganism to Product
A simplified industrial process is:
select microorganism → provide nutrients → grow microorganism → control conditions → produce desired substance → collect product → purify product
This general process can be used to manufacture:
- foods
- medicines
- enzymes
- organic acids
- vitamins
- biofuels
- chemicals
The exact process depends on the microorganism and desired product.
Why Use Microorganisms?
Microorganisms have several characteristics that make them useful for industry.
Many microbes:
- reproduce rapidly
- grow in relatively small spaces
- use inexpensive raw materials
- produce useful chemicals
- can be cultured throughout the year
- can be genetically modified
- carry out highly specific chemical reactions
Microbial production can therefore be efficient and highly:
controllable.
Rapid Reproduction
Many microorganisms reproduce much faster than plants or animals.
Under suitable conditions, some bacteria can divide in:
minutes or hours.
This means large populations can be produced relatively quickly.
A large microbial population can manufacture large quantities of a desired:
product.
Microbial Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions occurring inside an organism.
Microorganisms have extremely diverse metabolic pathways.
Different microbes can:
- ferment sugars
- produce acids
- produce alcohols
- break down wastes
- synthesize proteins
- produce antibiotics
- manufacture enzymes
Industrial microbiology takes advantage of this metabolic diversity.
Fermentation
Many industrial microbial processes are described broadly as:
fermentation.
In industrial biotechnology, the term is often used for large-scale microbial cultivation, even when the process includes oxygen.
The microorganism is grown under carefully controlled conditions so that it produces:
large quantities of a desired substance.
What Is a Bioreactor?
A bioreactor is a vessel in which organisms, cells, or biological reactions are maintained under controlled conditions.
When microorganisms are being cultured, the vessel may also be called a:
fermenter.
Bioreactors range from small laboratory containers to enormous industrial tanks.
What Does a Bioreactor Control?
A bioreactor may control:
- temperature
- pH
- oxygen concentration
- nutrient supply
- mixing
- pressure
- foam
- microbial concentration
Sensors can continuously monitor these conditions.
The aim is to provide an environment in which the desired microorganism performs:
efficiently.
Temperature Control
Microbial reactions are controlled by:
enzymes.
Enzymes generally work most efficiently within a particular temperature range.
If the temperature is too low:
microbial metabolism slows.
If the temperature becomes too high:
enzymes may lose their functional shape and cells may die.
Bioreactors therefore require accurate temperature control.
Why Do Bioreactors Need Cooling?
Microorganisms release heat during:
metabolism.
In a large industrial culture containing billions or trillions of cells, substantial heat can be produced.
Without cooling:
temperature rises → enzyme activity becomes disrupted → cells may be damaged → production decreases
Bioreactors therefore commonly include cooling systems.
Controlling pH
Microorganisms usually have an optimum:
pH range.
Their metabolic activities can also change the pH of the culture.
For example, microbes may produce:
organic acids.
Sensors measure pH, and acids or bases can sometimes be added automatically to maintain suitable conditions.
Oxygen Supply
Some industrial microorganisms require:
oxygen.
Air or oxygen may be pumped into the culture through a device called a:
sparger.
Small bubbles increase contact between the gas and liquid.
Microorganisms can then use the dissolved oxygen for:
aerobic respiration.
Anaerobic Processes
Other industrial processes require little or no oxygen.
For example, alcoholic fermentation by yeast is favored under conditions that allow:
fermentation.
Therefore, oxygen control depends on the:
desired process.
Mixing
Large bioreactors contain mixing devices called:
agitators or impellers.
Mixing distributes:
- microorganisms
- nutrients
- oxygen
- heat
- pH-adjusting chemicals
Without mixing, conditions could vary considerably between different parts of the tank.
Foam Control
Microbial cultures can produce:
foam.
Excessive foam may interfere with industrial operation or increase contamination risk.
Foam can be controlled using:
- mechanical foam breakers
- antifoaming substances
- automated sensors
This is another example of why industrial microbial growth requires careful monitoring.
Nutrient Supply
Microorganisms require nutrients containing elements such as:
- carbon
- nitrogen
- phosphorus
- sulfur
- minerals
A prepared nutrient mixture is called a:
culture medium or growth medium.
The medium is designed to provide everything the microorganism needs for growth and production.
Preventing Contamination
Industrial cultures often contain enormous populations of a selected microorganism.
If another microorganism enters the system, it may:
- compete for nutrients
- contaminate the product
- produce unwanted substances
- reduce product yield
- create safety problems
Therefore, contamination must be carefully prevented.
Sterilization
Before production begins, equipment and growth media may be:
sterilized.
Sterilization removes or destroys unwanted microorganisms.
Incoming air may also be:
filtered.
Industrial systems are designed to remain as closed as practical during production.
Aseptic Technique
Aseptic technique refers to procedures used to prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms.
In industry, this can include:
- sterilizing equipment
- sterilizing media
- filtering air
- sealing pipes and vessels
- sterilizing sampling ports
- carefully controlling transfers
Aseptic operation is especially important when producing:
medicines.
Batch Production
In batch fermentation, a quantity of nutrient medium and microorganisms is placed into the bioreactor.
The culture is allowed to grow for a particular period.
The product is then:
harvested.
The reactor can then be emptied, cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for another batch.
Continuous Production
In continuous culture, fresh nutrients are continuously supplied while culture fluid is continuously removed.
This can allow microorganisms to remain productive for:
long periods.
Continuous production can be efficient, but maintaining stable conditions and avoiding contamination can be challenging.
Fed-Batch Production
Another common method is:
fed-batch culture.
The culture begins as a batch, but additional nutrients are supplied during the process.
This allows manufacturers to control nutrient concentrations and extend productive growth.
Fed-batch systems are widely used in biotechnology.
What Can Microorganisms Manufacture?
Industrial microorganisms can produce an enormous variety of substances.
Important categories include:
- antibiotics
- therapeutic proteins
- vaccines or vaccine components
- enzymes
- vitamins
- amino acids
- organic acids
- food ingredients
- biofuels
- industrial chemicals
Antibiotic Production
Some microorganisms naturally produce chemicals that inhibit other microorganisms.
Some of these substances can be used as:
antibiotics.
One famous example is:
penicillin.
Penicillin-related compounds are produced by fungi belonging to the genus:
Penicillium.
Producing Penicillin
A simplified industrial process is:
Penicillium culture → controlled growth in fermenter → antibiotic produced → culture processed → antibiotic extracted → purified → prepared as medicine
The fungus requires carefully controlled:
- nutrients
- temperature
- pH
- oxygen
- growth conditions
Why Do Microorganisms Produce Antibiotics?
In nature, microorganisms compete with one another for:
- nutrients
- space
- resources
Some microbes produce substances that inhibit competitors.
Humans discovered that some of these compounds can be used to control:
bacterial infections.
Industrial microbiology allows these compounds to be manufactured on a large scale.
Insulin Production
One of the most important applications of biotechnology is the production of:
human insulin.
Insulin is a protein hormone that regulates blood glucose.
Modern biotechnology can use genetically engineered microorganisms to produce human insulin.
Genetically Engineered Microorganisms
Scientists can place genetic information for a useful protein into a microorganism.
The microorganism then contains instructions for manufacturing that:
protein.
A simplified process is:
identify useful gene → insert gene into microbial cells → grow cells → cells produce protein → collect and purify protein
This is called:
recombinant DNA technology.
Why Use Microbes to Produce Human Proteins?
Microorganisms can:
- grow rapidly
- be cultured in large numbers
- be genetically modified
- produce large amounts of certain proteins
- be grown in controlled environments
They therefore provide a powerful system for manufacturing:
biological medicines.
Other Medicines
Microbial biotechnology contributes to the production of various medical products.
Depending on the product and manufacturing system, microorganisms can help produce:
- therapeutic proteins
- hormones
- vaccine components
- antibiotics
- enzymes used in medicine
Biotechnology has therefore transformed parts of the:
pharmaceutical industry.
Vaccine Production
Some vaccines or vaccine components can be produced using:
microbial biotechnology.
Genetically engineered cells can manufacture particular pathogen proteins.
These proteins can then be purified and used in certain vaccines to stimulate:
immune responses.
Not all vaccines are manufactured using microorganisms, however.
Industrial Enzymes
Microorganisms are major sources of:
industrial enzymes.
Enzymes are biological catalysts.
They increase the rates of chemical reactions without being permanently consumed.
Industrial enzymes are used in:
- food production
- detergents
- textiles
- paper manufacturing
- pharmaceuticals
- biofuel production
Proteases
Proteases are enzymes that break down:
proteins.
Microorganisms can be cultured to produce proteases on an industrial scale.
Proteases may be used in:
- detergents
- food processing
- leather processing
- biotechnology
Lipases
Lipases break down:
fats and oils.
Microbial lipases have applications in:
- detergents
- food processing
- chemical manufacturing
- biotechnology
Because enzymes are highly specific, they can sometimes replace harsher chemical processes.
Amylases
Amylases break down:
starch.
Microbial amylases are used in industries such as:
- baking
- brewing
- starch processing
- biofuel production
Starch can be broken into smaller sugars that can then be used in other industrial processes.
Enzymes in Detergents
Some laundry detergents contain microbial enzymes.
For example:
proteases → break down protein stains
lipases → break down fatty stains
amylases → break down starch stains
Enzymes can help cleaning occur effectively at relatively moderate:
temperatures.
Food Industry
Industrial microbiology is heavily involved in food production.
Microorganisms help manufacture:
- bread
- yogurt
- cheese
- fermented vegetables
- soy products
- vinegar
- food additives
Microbial enzymes are also used to modify ingredients during manufacturing.
Organic Acids
Microorganisms can manufacture useful:
organic acids.
Examples include:
- citric acid
- lactic acid
- acetic acid
These substances have applications in food, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and chemical manufacturing.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is widely used as:
- a food acid
- flavoring component
- preservative-related ingredient
- industrial chemical
Large quantities can be produced using the fungus:
Aspergillus niger.
The fungus is cultured under conditions that favor high citric acid production.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid can be produced using:
bacteria.
It has applications in:
- food production
- pharmaceuticals
- chemical manufacturing
- biodegradable plastics
Microbial production therefore connects biology with several different industries.
Amino Acids
Microorganisms can also be used to manufacture:
amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Industrial applications include:
- food additives
- nutritional products
- animal feed
- pharmaceuticals
Microbial strains can be selected or engineered to produce high concentrations of particular amino acids.
Vitamins
Some microorganisms naturally synthesize:
vitamins.
Industrial cultivation can be used to produce certain vitamins and vitamin-related compounds.
Microbial production can provide an alternative to complex chemical synthesis.
Biofuels
Microorganisms can convert biological materials into:
fuels.
A familiar example is:
bioethanol.
Yeast ferments sugars to produce ethanol.
Producing Bioethanol
A simplified process is:
plant material → sugars → yeast fermentation → ethanol → purification → fuel
Plant sources may include crops or other forms of:
biomass.
Bioethanol can be blended with conventional fuels.
Biogas
Microorganisms can also contribute to the production of:
biogas.
Under oxygen-free conditions, communities of microorganisms break down organic material.
One important product is:
methane.
This process is called:
anaerobic digestion.
Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digesters can process materials such as:
- animal waste
- sewage
- food waste
- agricultural residues
Microbial communities break down these materials without oxygen.
Products can include:
methane-rich biogas + nutrient-rich digestate.
Wastewater Treatment
Industrial microbiology is not only about manufacturing products.
Microorganisms are also used to:
treat waste.
In wastewater-treatment systems, microbial communities break down organic matter and help remove pollutants.
Activated Sludge
In some wastewater-treatment systems, air is mixed with wastewater containing microorganisms.
The microbes consume:
organic matter.
This reduces the amount of biodegradable material remaining in the water.
The microorganisms can then be separated from the treated water.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation uses living organisms, often microorganisms, to remove or transform environmental pollutants.
Microorganisms may help break down:
- petroleum compounds
- some industrial chemicals
- organic pollutants
This can sometimes provide a biological alternative to more intensive physical or chemical cleanup methods.
Mining and Microorganisms
Some microorganisms are used in:
biomining or bioleaching.
They help release metals from ores by changing the chemical environment around minerals.
This technique can be used to recover metals such as:
copper.
It demonstrates that industrial microbiology extends well beyond food and medicine.
Bioplastics
Microorganisms can contribute to the manufacture of:
bioplastics.
Some microbes naturally produce polymers that can be harvested.
Microbial fermentation can also produce chemicals such as lactic acid that are used to manufacture certain biodegradable plastics.
Advantages of Microbial Manufacturing
Microbial processes can offer several advantages.
Microorganisms may:
- grow rapidly
- require relatively little space
- use renewable raw materials
- operate at moderate temperatures
- produce complex molecules
- perform highly specific reactions
- be genetically modified
- use waste materials as feedstocks
These properties can make microbial manufacturing economically attractive.
Biological vs Chemical Manufacturing
Traditional chemical manufacturing may require:
- high temperatures
- high pressures
- harsh chemicals
- multiple reaction steps
Biological systems often operate under:
milder conditions.
Enzymes and microorganisms can also be highly selective.
This may reduce unwanted:
by-products.
However, biological processes have their own challenges.
Challenges of Industrial Microbiology
Industrial microbial processes require careful control.
Challenges include:
- contamination
- maintaining sterile conditions
- temperature control
- oxygen transfer
- product purification
- microbial mutations
- waste management
- equipment costs
- energy use
- maintaining consistent quality
Large-scale biology can be much more complicated than simply growing microbes in a flask.
Scale-Up
A process that works well in a small laboratory flask may not behave identically in a:
100,000-liter industrial reactor.
As size increases, it becomes more difficult to distribute:
- oxygen
- nutrients
- heat
- microorganisms
This challenge is called:
scale-up.
Oxygen Transfer at Large Scale
Oxygen dissolves only to a limited extent in water.
A rapidly growing microbial culture may consume oxygen faster than it enters the liquid.
Industrial bioreactors therefore use:
aeration + mixing
to improve oxygen transfer.
This is one of the major engineering challenges in aerobic microbial production.
Product Recovery
After microorganisms produce the desired substance, the product must often be:
recovered and purified.
This stage is called:
downstream processing.
It may involve:
- filtration
- centrifugation
- extraction
- chromatography
- drying
For high-purity medicines, downstream processing can be particularly demanding.
Upstream and Downstream Processing
Industrial biotechnology can be divided broadly into:
Upstream processing
Includes:
- selecting the organism
- preparing the culture
- preparing nutrients
- growing microorganisms
- operating the bioreactor
Downstream processing
Includes:
- separating cells
- extracting products
- purifying products
- preparing the final material
Both stages are important for commercial production.
Economic Importance
Industrial microbiology contributes to many major sectors of the economy.
These include:
- pharmaceuticals
- food and beverages
- agriculture
- energy
- chemical manufacturing
- environmental services
- waste treatment
- biotechnology
Microorganisms therefore contribute both directly and indirectly to:
economic activity.
Producing High-Value Products
Some microbial products have relatively high economic value.
Examples include:
- therapeutic proteins
- specialized enzymes
- pharmaceuticals
- research chemicals
A relatively small quantity of biological material may have substantial:
commercial value.
Producing High-Volume Products
Other microbial products are manufactured in enormous quantities.
Examples include:
- food ingredients
- organic acids
- ethanol
- enzymes
- amino acids
Profitability may depend on producing these materials:
efficiently and consistently at large scale.
Creating Jobs
Industrial microbiology supports careers in:
- microbiology
- biotechnology
- chemical engineering
- biochemical engineering
- medicine
- food science
- quality control
- manufacturing
- environmental science
- research and development
It therefore contributes to both technological development and:
employment.
Reducing Production Costs
Microorganisms can sometimes reduce production costs because they:
- reproduce themselves
- use relatively inexpensive nutrients
- operate under moderate conditions
- produce specific molecules efficiently
However, these savings must be balanced against costs associated with:
- bioreactors
- sterilization
- energy
- purification
- quality testing
Sustainability
Industrial microbiology may contribute to more sustainable manufacturing.
Potential benefits include:
- renewable feedstocks
- biodegradable products
- waste conversion
- lower-temperature processing
- biological treatment of pollutants
However, a microbial process is not automatically:
environmentally sustainable.
Its full energy use, raw materials, waste production, and environmental impacts must be considered.
Circular Economy
Microorganisms may contribute to a:
circular economy.
Instead of treating waste only as something to discard, biological processes can sometimes convert waste into:
- fuels
- chemicals
- fertilizers
- useful materials
For example:
food waste → anaerobic digestion → biogas
This turns a waste material into a useful energy source.
Improving Industrial Microorganisms
Scientists can improve microbial strains through:
- selection
- mutation
- genetic engineering
- metabolic engineering
The goal may be to increase:
- product yield
- growth rate
- resistance to industrial conditions
- efficiency
- product purity
Modern industrial microbiology therefore overlaps strongly with:
genetics and biotechnology.
Metabolic Engineering
Metabolic engineering involves modifying cellular pathways so that more material flows toward a desired product.
Imagine a microorganism normally produces several substances.
Scientists may modify its metabolic pathways so that it produces much more of:
one useful substance.
The cell effectively becomes a more specialized biological factory.
Quality Control
Industrial microbial products must meet appropriate quality standards.
Manufacturers may test:
- microorganism identity
- contamination
- product concentration
- purity
- pH
- temperature records
- chemical composition
- biological activity
Quality control is especially strict for:
pharmaceutical products.
Industrial Microbiology in Everyday Life
You may encounter products of industrial microbiology every day.
Examples include:
breakfast: bread and yogurt
laundry: enzyme-containing detergent
medicine: antibiotics or recombinant medicines
transport: bioethanol
waste treatment: microbial sewage processing
Industrial microbiology is therefore closely connected to modern life.
Worked Example 1
A company grows yeast in a large tank to produce ethanol.
What is the tank called?
A:
bioreactor or fermenter.
Worked Example 2
A bacterial culture produces a useful protein.
The temperature becomes much higher than the optimum.
Predict what happens.
Enzyme function and microbial growth may decrease.
At sufficiently high temperatures:
cells may die and production may fall.
Worked Example 3
A microorganism is genetically engineered with instructions for producing a human protein.
What industrial application does this represent?
Production of a:
recombinant biological medicine.
Worked Example 4
Why is a stirrer used in an aerobic bioreactor?
It helps distribute:
- oxygen
- nutrients
- heat
- microorganisms
This maintains more uniform conditions throughout the culture.
Worked Example 5
A contaminating microorganism enters a pharmaceutical fermenter.
Why is this serious?
It could:
- compete with the desired organism
- change the product
- reduce yield
- contaminate the medicine
The batch might have to be:
discarded.
Worked Example 6
A microorganism produces a protease.
How could this enzyme be useful?
The protease can break down proteins and may be used in products such as:
biological detergents.
Worked Example 7
Food waste is placed in an oxygen-free digester.
Microorganisms produce methane.
What process is occurring?
Anaerobic digestion.
The methane-rich gas can be used as:
biogas.
Worked Example 8
Why might an industrial company prefer microbial production over extracting a substance from animals or plants?
Microorganisms may:
- grow faster
- require less space
- provide year-round production
- be genetically engineered
- produce consistent products
This can improve manufacturing efficiency.
Worked Example 9
A microbial process works perfectly in a 2-liter laboratory vessel but poorly in a huge industrial tank.
What problem has occurred?
A:
scale-up problem.
Conditions such as oxygen, mixing, and temperature may not be equally distributed in the larger vessel.
Worked Example 10
A useful chemical has been produced inside a fermenter.
Is production finished?
Not necessarily.
The chemical may still need to be:
separated, extracted, purified, tested, and packaged.
These processes form part of downstream processing.
Evaluating the Economic Importance
Industrial microbiology provides substantial benefits.
Economic benefits
- large-scale production
- valuable medicines
- inexpensive enzymes
- food manufacturing
- renewable fuels
- waste treatment
- new biotechnology industries
- employment
- potential reduction in manufacturing costs
Economic challenges
- expensive equipment
- contamination losses
- research costs
- energy requirements
- purification costs
- regulatory requirements
- quality-control costs
A successful industrial process must therefore be:
biologically effective + technically reliable + economically viable.
Common Mistake: Industrial Microbiology Is Only About Fermented Food
Food fermentation is only one application.
Industrial microorganisms also contribute to:
- medicines
- enzymes
- chemicals
- fuels
- waste treatment
- environmental cleanup
- mining
Common Mistake: A Bioreactor Is Just a Large Container
A bioreactor is a:
controlled biological system.
It may regulate temperature, pH, oxygen, mixing, nutrients, and other variables.
The control systems are essential for reliable production.
Common Mistake: All Industrial Fermentation Is Anaerobic
Industrial use of the term fermentation does not always mean:
without oxygen.
Many industrial microbial processes require substantial oxygen.
The oxygen requirement depends on the organism and desired product.
Common Mistake: Microorganisms Only Produce Natural Substances
Genetic engineering can give microorganisms instructions to produce substances they would not normally manufacture.
Human insulin is an important example.
Common Mistake: Once the Product Is Made, It Can Be Used Immediately
Industrial products often require extensive:
downstream processing.
Medicines in particular may require extremely high levels of purity.
Common Mistake: Biological Manufacturing Has No Environmental Impact
Microbial manufacturing can provide environmental advantages, but it still requires:
- energy
- water
- nutrients
- equipment
- waste management
Environmental impact must therefore be evaluated across the:
entire production process.
Check Your Understanding
1. Define industrial microbiology.
2. Name three types of microorganisms used in industry.
3. Why are microorganisms useful for manufacturing?
4. Give five products that can be manufactured using microorganisms.
5. What is a bioreactor?
6. What is another common name for a microbial bioreactor?
7. Name five conditions that may be controlled inside a bioreactor.
8. Why must temperature be controlled?
9. Why can a large microbial culture require cooling?
10. Why must pH be controlled?
11. Why is oxygen supplied to some bioreactors?
12. What is the purpose of a sparger?
13. Why are bioreactors mixed?
14. What is a culture medium?
15. Why must contamination be prevented?
16. What is aseptic technique?
17. Compare batch and continuous culture.
18. What is fed-batch culture?
19. Explain how microorganisms can produce antibiotics.
20. Describe how genetically engineered microorganisms can produce human proteins.
21. Why are microorganisms useful for producing medicines?
22. Give three industrial uses of microbial enzymes.
23. What does a protease break down?
24. What does a lipase break down?
25. What does an amylase break down?
26. Explain how microbial enzymes can be useful in detergents.
27. Name three organic acids that can be produced using microorganisms.
28. Explain how yeast can be used to produce bioethanol.
29. What is anaerobic digestion?
30. How can microorganisms contribute to wastewater treatment?
31. Define bioremediation.
32. What is bioleaching?
33. Give three advantages of microbial manufacturing.
34. Give three challenges of microbial manufacturing.
35. What is scale-up?
36. Why can oxygen transfer become difficult in large bioreactors?
37. What is downstream processing?
38. Explain how industrial microbiology contributes to the economy.
39. Describe three ways industrial microbiology can contribute to more sustainable manufacturing.
40. Evaluate the importance of industrial microbiology by considering its applications, economic benefits, challenges, and environmental impacts.
Key Terms
- Industrial microbiology: Large-scale use of microorganisms to manufacture products or perform useful processes.
- Biotechnology: Use of organisms, cells, or biological processes for practical purposes.
- Bioreactor: Vessel that maintains controlled conditions for biological processes.
- Fermenter: Bioreactor used for microbial cultivation or fermentation.
- Culture medium: Nutrient mixture used to grow microorganisms.
- Aseptic technique: Procedures designed to prevent microbial contamination.
- Sterilization: Process used to eliminate unwanted microorganisms.
- Batch culture: Production system operated as separate batches.
- Continuous culture: System in which nutrients are continually supplied and culture is continually removed.
- Fed-batch culture: Culture in which nutrients are added during the production period.
- Recombinant DNA: DNA produced by combining genetic material using biotechnology.
- Industrial enzyme: Enzyme manufactured for use in commercial processes.
- Biofuel: Fuel produced from biological material.
- Biogas: Gas containing methane produced through microbial anaerobic digestion.
- Bioremediation: Use of organisms to remove or transform environmental pollutants.
- Bioleaching: Use of microorganisms to help extract metals from ores.
- Scale-up: Process of transferring production from small laboratory systems to larger industrial systems.
- Upstream processing: Preparation and cultivation stages leading to biological production.
- Downstream processing: Recovery and purification of a product after biological production.
- Metabolic engineering: Modification of cellular pathways to increase production of desired substances.
Key Takeaways
- Industrial microbiology uses microorganisms on a large scale to manufacture useful products and perform useful processes.
- Bacteria, yeasts, and fungi can function as microscopic biological factories.
- Microorganisms are useful because they reproduce rapidly and have diverse metabolic abilities.
- A bioreactor provides controlled conditions for microbial growth and production.
- Important variables include temperature, pH, oxygen, nutrients, mixing, and contamination.
- Mixing helps distribute nutrients, gases, heat, and microorganisms.
- Sterilization and aseptic techniques help prevent unwanted contamination.
- Industrial cultures may operate as batch, fed-batch, or continuous systems.
- Microorganisms are used to manufacture antibiotics, medicines, enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, organic acids, food products, and fuels.
- Genetically engineered microorganisms can manufacture human proteins such as insulin.
- Microbial enzymes have applications in food, detergents, textiles, medicine, and manufacturing.
- Yeast can produce bioethanol through fermentation.
- Microbial communities can produce biogas through anaerobic digestion.
- Microorganisms are important in wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup.
- Bioremediation uses organisms to transform or remove pollutants.
- Industrial microbiology can contribute to mining and materials production.
- Scaling a biological process from a laboratory to a factory presents significant engineering challenges.
- Products often require extensive downstream processing after microbial production.
- Industrial microbiology supports pharmaceuticals, food production, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and environmental industries.
- Microbial manufacturing can provide economic and environmental advantages, but these must be balanced against equipment, energy, purification, and quality-control costs.
- A successful industrial microbiology process must be biologically effective, technically reliable, safe, and economically viable.