Introduction:
Microorganisms are extensively used in biotechnology for the large-scale production of valuable products, such as enzymes, organic acids, amino acids, antibiotics, solvents, vitamins, and Single-Cell Protein (SCP). These products have applications in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels.
1. Enzymes: Amylase Production
Microorganism Used:
Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus oryzae
Process:
Fermentation Type: Submerged or solid-state fermentation.
Substrate: Starch-based materials.
Conditions:
Temperature: 30–37°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Applications:
Used in food processing, detergents, and textile industries.
2. Organic Acids: Citric Acid Production
Microorganism Used:
Aspergillus niger
Process:
Fermentation Type: Submerged fermentation.
Substrate: Molasses or glucose.
Conditions:
Temperature: 25–30°C
pH: 2.0–3.5
Applications:
Used as a food additive, in beverages, and as a preservative.
3. Amino Acid: Glutamic Acid Production
Microorganism Used:
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Process:
Fermentation Type: Aerobic submerged fermentation.
Substrate: Glucose or molasses.
Conditions:
Temperature: 30–35°C
pH: 7.0–8.0
Applications:
Precursor for monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer.
4. Antibiotics: Penicillin Production
Microorganism Used:
Penicillium chrysogenum
Process:
Fermentation Type: Submerged fermentation.
Substrate: Corn steep liquor, lactose.
Conditions:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Applications:
Penicillin is an essential antibiotic for treating bacterial infections.
5. Solvents: Ethanol Production
Microorganism Used:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zymomonas mobilis
Process:
Fermentation Type: Anaerobic fermentation.
Substrate: Sugars from molasses, corn, or sugarcane.
Conditions:
Temperature: 30°C
pH: 4.5–5.0
Applications:
Used as biofuel, in alcoholic beverages, and industrial solvents.
6. Vitamins: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Production
Microorganism Used:
Ashbya gossypii, Bacillus subtilis
Process:
Fermentation Type: Submerged fermentation.
Substrate: Plant oils, glucose.
Conditions:
Temperature: 28–32°C
pH: 6.0–7.0
Applications:
Used in food supplements, animal feed, and cosmetics.
7. Single-Cell Protein (SCP) Production
Microorganism Used:
Spirulina (cyanobacteria), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast)
Process:
Fermentation Type: Submerged fermentation.
Substrate: Waste materials like molasses, wood, or agricultural residues.
Conditions:
Temperature: 25–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Applications:
Used as a high-protein supplement in animal feed and human nutrition.
Conclusion:
Microbial products play a critical role in various industries due to their efficiency, sustainability, and economic value. By utilizing specific microorganisms and optimized fermentation processes, it is possible to produce essential compounds like enzymes, organic acids, antibiotics, and vitamins at an industrial scale, supporting sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.