Industrial Fermenters Flashcards
Give 2 examples of micro-organisms that can be used in medicine:
-The fungus Penicillium produces the antibiotic penicillin
-Bacteria can be genetically engineered to produce human insulin
What is the cooling jacket used for in an industrial fermenter?
Removes heat energy, stopping the fermenter over-heating and enzymes denaturing.
What is the air filter used for in an industrial fermenter?
Filters air coming in, maintaining sterile conditions.
What are the stirrers used for in an industrial fermenter?
Keep the broth well stirred to oxygenate all parts of the fermenter and prevent micro-organisms settling.
What is the growth medium used for in an industrial fermenter?
Contains all necessary glucose and amino acids for micro-organism growth.
What is the super-heated steam used for in an industrial fermenter?
It’s applies before the fermenter is used, killing un-wanted micro-organisms. Leaves only water with no other residue.
Describe the process of yoghurt making:
Milk is initially pasteurised to kill bacteria. After it’s cooled, Lactobacillus is added to the mixture and maintained at 46C. This ensures bacterias enzymes are not denatured.
What bacteria is used to make yoghurt?
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
What does the Lactobacillus in yoghurt do?
It respires anaerobically to produce lactic acid, this lowers as the pH, acting as a preservative. The acid also coagulates the milk protein, as the acidic conditions change the shape of the proteins, giving yoghurt its texture and flavour.
