Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 400 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hello again, my brilliant learner! It’s always a pleasure to have you in class, and today is no different. I hope you’re ready for another exciting lesson. We’re about to look at the Differences Between Lab and Industrial Microbiology. You might be wondering how these two areas differ, especially since both deal with microorganisms. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down clearly, and I’ll ensure it all makes sense with relatable examples.
Differences Between Lab And Industrial Microbiology
Let’s begin with Lab Microbiology. Imagine a science lab, a clean, controlled space with all sorts of equipment like microscopes, petri dishes, test tubes, and incubators. In lab microbiology, scientists work with microorganisms on a small scale, usually to study them in detail. This could involve identifying bacteria in a sample, studying how they grow, or testing them to see how they respond to antibiotics.
In the lab, everything is under strict control. The environment is sterile to avoid contamination, and experiments are usually done to answer specific scientific questions. It’s like when you go to the hospital for a test, and a microbiologist checks for the presence of bacteria or viruses in your sample.
What is Industrial Microbiology?
Now, let’s move on to Industrial Microbiology. This is a bit different—it’s the application of microbiological processes on a large scale, often to produce goods. In this field, microorganisms are used to produce products or services that benefit industries and communities. Think of the production of alcohol, antibiotics, food fermentation, or biofuels.
For example, when yeast is used in brewing to make beer or in bakeries to make bread rise, that’s industrial microbiology. It’s also used in the production of medicines like insulin, which is derived from genetically engineered microorganisms. Unlike in the lab, the processes here are usually automated, and the aim is to produce large quantities of a product that can be sold or distributed to the public.
Differences Between Lab and Industrial Microbiology
Let’s now explore the key differences between the two fields:
Scale:
In lab microbiology, experiments are done on a small scale, often with small quantities of microorganisms. In industrial microbiology, however, microorganisms are cultivated in large quantities in bioreactors or fermenters to produce commercial products.
Purpose:
The purpose of lab microbiology is usually research—understanding the characteristics of microbes, their behaviour, and how they can be used or controlled. Industrial microbiology, on the other hand, is all about practical application—using microbes to make useful products like antibiotics, alcohol, or even biogas.
Environment:
Lab microbiology takes place in a highly controlled environment to ensure that no external factors interfere with the experiment. In industrial microbiology, though the process is controlled, it is often done on a larger scale with less emphasis on absolute sterility, as long as the product quality is maintained.
Lab experiments can be short-term, often lasting a few hours or days, depending on what’s being studied. In contrast, industrial microbiology involves longer processes that can span several days, weeks, or even months to yield large quantities of the product.
Outcome:
In the lab, the outcome of microbiological studies is usually knowledge—new information about a microbe, its genetics, or how it can be controlled. In industry, the outcome is a product—whether it’s beer, antibiotics, or biofuels.
Think of a local brewery in Nigeria that uses yeast to brew palm wine. This is a great example of industrial microbiology because yeast is used in a large-scale, controlled environment to ferment the palm sap and create the final product.
On the other hand, when a microbiologist in a laboratory is studying the bacteria in a sample of water to ensure it’s safe to drink, that’s an example of lab microbiology. They are examining the microorganisms, identifying them, and testing for any harmful pathogens.
Summary
To summarise, lab microbiology focuses on studying microorganisms in controlled, small-scale environments to gather scientific knowledge. Industrial microbiology, on the other hand, uses microorganisms on a large scale to produce products that benefit industries and the public, like antibiotics or alcoholic beverages.
Evaluation
- What is the main difference in the scale of work between lab and industrial microbiology?
- Give two examples of products made using industrial microbiology.
- What is the primary goal of lab microbiology?
With each lesson, you’re building the knowledge and skills that will take you far. I’m so proud of your dedication, and I can’t wait for the next lesson. Keep it up!