Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 400 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Welcome back, champion! I’m really glad to have you here again. You’ve been building a strong understanding of microbiology step by step, and today’s topic is one that connects everything you’ve been learning with real-world industries. We’re looking at Examples of Industrial Fermentation Processes—and trust me, this topic is both interesting and very practical, especially if you’ve ever wondered how everyday products like antibiotics, alcohol, yoghurt, or even laundry enzymes are made
Examples Of Industrial Fermentation Processes.
What is Industrial Fermentation?
Industrial fermentation is the large-scale use of microorganisms to produce valuable products. This process is used in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical industries, both globally and right here in Nigeria. It is a more refined, controlled version of the traditional fermentation processes we see in local foods like ogi, burukutu, or ugba.
Let’s go through some key examples of industrial fermentation processes and the microbes involved.
1. Alcohol Production (Ethanol Fermentation)
Microorganism used: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast)
Process: Sugar-rich materials like molasses, cassava, or maize are fermented by yeast under anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions to produce ethanol.
Application: Ethanol is used in beverages (like beer and palm wine), as fuel (bioethanol), and as a solvent in medicine and cosmetics.
Nigerian relevance: Local breweries and fuel companies are increasingly using cassava-based ethanol for energy and alcohol products.
2. Citric Acid Production
Microorganism used: Aspergillus niger (a fungus)
Process: Carbohydrates like glucose or molasses are fermented in a submerged fermentation system.
Application: Used in food preservation, soft drinks, cleaning agents, and pharmaceuticals.
Why it’s important: Nigeria imports a lot of citric acid, but local production using agro-waste is growing.
3. Antibiotic Production (e.g. Penicillin)
Microorganism used: Penicillium chrysogenum
Process: Submerged aerobic fermentation in large bioreactors under sterile conditions.
Application: Penicillin and other antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Industry role: Pharmaceutical companies depend heavily on fermentation to produce life-saving drugs at scale.
4. Enzyme Production (e.g. Amylase, Protease)
Microorganisms used: Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus oryzae
Process: Solid-state or submerged fermentation using agro-based media like yam peels, rice bran, etc.
Application: Used in detergents, brewing, leather processing, baking, and textile production.
African context: Enzymes from local fermentation processes are being studied as sustainable alternatives to imported ones.
5. Dairy Fermentation (Yoghurt and Cheese)
Microorganisms used: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus
Process: These bacteria ferment lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, thickening the milk and adding that tangy taste.
Application: Yoghurt, cheese, and other dairy products.
Local angle: Nigerian food processors use starter cultures in making commercial yoghurt, which has become a booming industry.
6. Single-Cell Protein (SCP) Production
Microorganisms used: Candida utilis, Chlorella, Spirulina
Process: Microbes grow rapidly on cheap substrates like molasses or waste, producing high-protein biomass.
Application: Used as protein supplements in animal feed and, in some cases, human food.
Relevance: SCP offers an affordable and sustainable protein source in food-insecure regions.
Summary
- Industrial fermentation uses microbes to make products like alcohol, antibiotics, enzymes, acids, and proteins.
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used in ethanol production; Aspergillus niger produces citric acid.
- Penicillium chrysogenum makes penicillin in submerged fermentation.
- Microbial enzymes are widely used in everyday products from detergents to baking.
- Yoghurt and cheese depend on lactic acid bacteria for flavour and texture.
- SCP offers a protein-rich alternative food source using fast-growing microbes.
Evaluation
- Name three products of industrial fermentation and the microorganisms used.
- What is the role of fermentation in the production of antibiotics?
- Why is solid-state fermentation suitable for enzyme production in Nigeria?
You’ve just taken a big step towards linking theory to real-world practice, and that’s exactly what makes a great microbiologist. Keep believing in your journey, and remember—Afrilearn is here to help you reach your best. Let’s keep building, one brilliant lesson at a time. See you next class!