Microorganism immobilization

摘要

An improved repetitive, batch-type fermentation process is provided. It includes a first, non-repetitive step of forming a support bearing a film of live and reproductive microorganisms immobilized thereon, e.g. using a cloth support. Then, the process involves the steps of freely suspending and stirring small segments of support cloth bearing a fixed film of live and reproductive microorganisms immobilized thereon within a fermenter containing suitable nutrient liquor to carry out a fermentation process, whereby the microorganisms produce a fermented liquor; withdrawing fermented liquor from the fermenter while retaining the support cloth within the fermenter; adding fresh nutrient to the fermenter containing the support cloth bearing the fixed film of live and reproductive microorganisms immobilized thereon; and repeating the above steps a plurality of times. This provides an improved batch-type fermentation process which minimizes the problems of start-up and which can be readily scaled-up and automated.