Biotechnology Principles of Solid State Fermentation

Abstract

As discussed in Chap. 1, solid-state fermentation is an important bioprocess. In this process, microorganisms are the most important participant. Because of the unique characteristics of the solid matrix and the rich interface environment it forms, microorganisms in solid-state fermentation show some different features compared with liquid culture. This chapter mainly discusses the relationship of solid-state fermentation and the solid matrix, the physiological metabolism and growth characteristics of microorganisms in the solid matrix, and the interactions between the microorganisms and the solid matrix. The aseptic techniques and inoculation techniques for large-scale solid-state fermentation are discussed in the last part of this chapter. Note that the dynamics model of fractal dimension established in my laboratory can quantitatively characterize the variation law of morphology with the microbial growth in solid-state fermentation and can be used as indicators for biomass yield in the solid-state fermentation process, which provides a new way to automate process control for solid-state fermentation.