Some engineering aspects of solid-state fermentation

Solid state fermentation which involves growth of microorganisms on moist solid substrates in the absence of free flowing water, has gained considerable attention of late due its several advantages over submerged fermentation. Solid-state fermentation is also finding increased application in the production of enzymes, antibiotics, surfactants, biocides etc. as also for the production of value-added products from wastes. There have been significant additions to the science and engineering knowledge of solid-state fermentations in recent years. This paper aims to present an overview of these developments emphasizing important aspects such as mass and heat transfer, design, scale-up, monitoring and control. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.