VPB 321: Animal Biotechnology (2+1)

Upstream and Down stream processes in fermentation

FERMENTATION PROCESS

• At the heart of any microbial fermentation process is the fermenter or the vessel or container in which fermentation occurs.
• All the operations before starting the fermenter are collectively called 'upstream' processes and those after the fermentation has occurred are called 'downstream' processes.
• Examples of upstream operations include the preparation and sterilization of the culture medium, the sterilization of the fermenter itself, and the preparation and growth of a suitable inoculum culture of the microbial strain.
• Downstream operations involve the collection or harvesting of the product, its concentration, purification and further processing such as separation from contaminants or unwanted components and also a proper treatment of the spent culture medium or effluent.
• The fermenter is also known as bioreactor. It provides an optimum environment in which organisms or their enzymes can interact with a substrate, forming the desired product. Several kinds of fermenters are being used for various preparation.