Fermentation process

The key for an effective fermentation is to control and maintain the microbial growth and metabolite production inside the fermentor or bioreactor. To achieve sustainable microbial growth and metabolite production, certain parameters must be controlled. Those parameters are as follows:

• Sterilization of media and vessel
• Sufficient substrate and growth factors (e.g., vitamins) in media
• Agitation (stirring)
• Temperature control
• pH control
• Anti-foaming (During the fermentation foam is formed, which can disrupt the measuring equipment)
• Control overflow (used when media are added continuously)
• Aeration (oxygen supply for aerobic processes)

It is very important to perform fermentation using sterile technique. Contaminants compete with the production organism for nutrients and lead to a decreased product output.