Microbial fermentation is a powerful tool with a bright future, but it also faces some challenges. This contributed volume is dedicated toward some of the current and contemporary issues in this field, such as:
Scaling up production:
Many exciting products can be created through fermentation, but scaling these processes from the lab to industrial production can be difficult. This involves optimising conditions for large-scale fermentation tanks, ensuring consistent product quality, and keeping costs competitive.
Strain development:
Finding or engineering the most efficient and productive microbial strains is crucial. Researchers are looking for ways to improve the yield and desired product formation of these microbes. This might involve techniques like genetic modification or harnessing the vast diversity of the microbial world to find new players.
Sustainability:
Fermentation processes need to be environmentally friendly. Finding sustainable feedstocks (the starting materials for fermentation) is important, especially as we move away from reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, minimizing waste products and energy consumption during fermentation are key areas of focus.
Integration with other technologies:
The future of fermentation is likely to involve its integration with other technologies. For instance, combining fermentation with advanced materials science or artificial intelligence could lead to even more innovative applications.
By addressing these issues, researchers and industry leaders can unlock the full potential of microbial fermentation and create a more sustainable and innovative future.
