Industrial Microbiology

Description

Industrial microbiology is a branch of applied microbiology in which microorganisms are used in industrial processes; for example, in the production of high-value products such as drugs, chemicals, fuels and electricity. Industrial Microbiology provides a structured approach to learning by covering all the important topics in a simple, uniform and systematic format. Areas of industrial microbiology include discovery of new organisms and pathways, such as antimicrobial drugs. For instance, most antibiotics come from microbial fermentations involving a group of organisms called actinomycetes. Other organisms such as yeasts are used in baking, in the production of alcoholic beverages, and in biofuel production. Additional groups of microorganisms form products that range from organic acids to enzymes used to create various sugars, amino acids, detergents, and consumer products/specialty ingredients. For example, the sweetener aspartame is derived from microbially produced amino acids. Industrial microbiologists may also be responsible for the bioremediation of air, soil and water contamination. Industrial microbiology includes the use of microorganisms to manufacture food or industrial products in large quantities. Numerous microorganisms are used within industrial microbiology; these include naturally occurring organisms, laboratory selected mutants, or even genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Currently, the debate in the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food sources is gaining both momentum, with more and more supporters on both sides. However, the use of microorganisms at an industrial level is deeply rooted into today’s society. The following is a brief overview of the various microorganisms that have industrial uses, and of the roles they play. Archaea are specific types of prokaryotic microbes that exhibit the ability to sustain populations in unusual and typically harsh environments. In effect, the book analyses how microbiological progress have made an impact in industrial processes and the developments currently it also looks into the future of the field, exploring what needs to be done, and the contemporary processes in the field.