Solid State Fermentation: Substrates Uses and Applications in Biomass and Metabolites Production - A Review

Abstract

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is the growth of microorganisms without free flowing liquid phase. The history of SSF is very well known to those in the fields of food processing and pharmaceuticals as it is widely applied to the production of several organic acids, flavourings compounds, enzymes and other microbial metabolites of human importance. SSF has been recently considered as the most cheapest and more environmentally friendly relative to submerged liquid fermentation (SLF) in the production of value added industrial based products such as enzymes, bio fuels and the likes. The comparison of SSF and liquid State Fermentation (LSF) has been summarized in a tabular form. The main microorganisms that occupied a pivotal position in achieving absolute SSF processes have been highlighted. A typical bioreactor has been addressed within the concept of SSF. The applications of the process in various economic sectors such as industrial fermentation, agro food industry and environmental control have been reported. Biomass measurement formula is shown, as well as environmental factors, both essential for studying and optimising solid substrate fermentations. SSF is advantageous and appropriate for production of many value added products like enzymes, antibiotics, and organic acids. This technique not only decreases the cost of the process but also makes product cheaper for consumers. This review aimed at gathering the disperse literature on the current state of art on SSF as it concerns biomass and metabolites formation.