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Showing posts with the label Industrial Biotechnology

Single-Cell Protein (SCP): Overview

  Introduction: Single-Cell Protein (SCP) refers to protein-rich biomass derived from microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeast. SCP is a sustainable alternative protein source used in food supplements, animal feed , and biotechnology applications due to its high nutritional value and rapid production. Microorganisms Used: Bacteria: Methylophilus methylotrophus , Bacillus subtilis Fungi: Fusarium , Aspergillus Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Candida utilis Algae: Spirulina , Chlorella Production Process of SCP: 1. Selection of Microorganism: Microorganisms are selected based on protein content , growth rate , and substrate utilization . 2. Substrate Preparation: SCP can be produced using various substrates: Agricultural waste: Straw, molasses Industrial waste: Whey, hydrocarbons Synthetic media: Methanol, ethanol, and glucose 3. Fermentation Process: Inoculation: The selected microorganism is inoculated into the fermentation medium . Fermentation Condi...

Riboflavin

  Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Production: Step-by-Step Process Introduction: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an essential vitamin required for energy production, cellular function, and growth. It is widely used in food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed additives . Commercial production of riboflavin primarily involves microbial fermentation . Microorganisms Used: Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis Fungi: Ashbya gossypii , Eremothecium ashbyii , Candida famata Raw Materials: Carbon sources: Glucose, molasses Nitrogen sources: Ammonium salts, peptone Other nutrients: Salts (MgSO₄, KH₂PO₄), vitamins Steps in Riboflavin Production: 1. Inoculum Preparation: A pure culture of the selected microorganism is grown in a nutrient-rich medium to prepare a dense inoculum. 2. Media Formulation: The production medium contains: Carbon source: Glucose or molasses Nitrogen source: Ammonium sulfate or yeast extract Trace elements: Magnesium, iron, and phosphate ...

Ethanol

  Ethanol Production: Step-by-Step Process Ethanol is a widely used biofuel, solvent, and alcoholic beverage component. It is primarily produced through fermentation of sugars by microorganisms, particularly yeast . Raw Materials Used: Sugar-rich materials: Sugarcane, molasses, fruits Starch-based materials: Corn, wheat, rice, potatoes Cellulose-based materials: Agricultural residues (advanced bioethanol) Steps Involved in Ethanol Production: 1. Preparation of Raw Material: Sugarcane/Molasses: Crushed to extract juice or diluted molasses. Starch-based materials: Starch is converted to simple sugars through hydrolysis using enzymes. Enzymatic process: Starch → Glucose (using amylase). 2. Sterilization: The raw material and fermentation equipment are sterilized to eliminate any unwanted microorganisms. 3. Fermentation Process: Microorganism Used: Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Some bacteria like Zymomonas mobilis can also be used. Ferme...

Glutamic Acid Preparation

  Glutamic Acid Production: Step-by-Step Process Glutamic acid is an important amino acid used in the food industry (as MSG), pharmaceuticals , and animal feed . It is mainly produced through microbial fermentation using bacteria like Corynebacterium glutamicum . Steps Involved in Glutamic Acid Production: 1. Selection of Microorganism: Microorganism used: Corynebacterium glutamicum (most common) Other bacteria: Brevibacterium or Micrococcus species 2. Preparation of Inoculum: A pure culture of C. glutamicum is grown in a nutrient-rich medium. The inoculum is prepared to ensure a high cell density for fermentation. 3. Media Preparation: The fermentation medium contains: Carbon source: Glucose or molasses Nitrogen source: Ammonium salts (NH₄Cl) Salts: MgSO₄, KH₂PO₄, and trace elements Biotin: Required for bacterial growth but limited to trigger glutamic acid production 4. Sterilization: The culture media and bioreactor are sterilized to el...

Production of Microbial Products

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 Microorg...