Microbes in Industrial Products

Introduction

Microorganisms are the smallest single-celled organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are also known as microbes or microorganisms because they can only be seen under a microscope. They make up nearly 60% of all life on Earth.

The term “microorganism” describes several living things that differ in size and characteristics. Industrial microbiology is also a branch of microbiology and biotechnology that majorly deals with studying a variety of microorganisms and their applications in manufacturing processes.

Industrial microbiology involves using microorganisms to produce food or industrial products in large quantities. Numerous microorganisms are used in industrial microbiology. This includes naturally occurring organisms, lab-selected mutant or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food sources is gaining momentum with more and more advocates. However, the industrial use of microorganisms is deeply rooted in modern society. Given below is a brief overview of the different microorganisms used in industry and their roles.

In large-scale industrial processes, microorganisms are widely used to synthesize many products helpful to humans. There are many industrial products  derived from microorganisms, such as:

• Food additives

Ex- Guar Gum, Artificial Sweeteners, Sodium Benzoate

• Metabolites

Ex- ethanol, lactic acid, resins

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Ex- whiskey, fruit juices

• Biofuels

Ex – butanol, ethanol

• Biofertilizers

Ex- Azolla,

• Several chemicals
• Enzymes, catalysts, and other bioactive molecules
• Vaccines and antibiotics to kill pathogenic microorganisms or slow their growth

These microorganisms play an essential role in the fermentation process of many foods. Two everyday products obtained from fermentation in industrial processes are fermented beverages, malt grains, broths, fruit juices, and antibiotics.

• • 1. Beverages –

Yeasts are extensively used microorganisms to manufacture liquids like rum, wine, beer, whiskey, brandy, etc. Yeasts are eukaryotic, single-celled microorganisms of the Kingdom Fungi. In those business processes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, species of yeasts, typically referred to as Brewer’s Yeasts, ferment fruit juices and malted cereals to supply ethanol. Once after the fermentation, those liquids are distilled to supply  alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids consisting of whiskey, bourbon, brandy, gin, rum, etc.

• • 1. 1. Organic Acids –

Microorganisms are also used in the industrial production of some organic acids. Citric acid was the first organic acid discovered through microbial fermentation of citrus fruit- lemon. Organic acids are also made directly from glucose. Acetobacter sharp, Aspergillus Niger, and Lactobacillus are some microorganisms used in the industrial production of organic acids.

• • 1. 1. Enzymes –

They are natural biological catalysts primarily used for controlling the biochemical reactions in living systems. Enzymes are used extensively in both medical as well as non-medical fields. In addition to animals and plants, enzymes can also be obtained from some microorganisms called microbial enzymes. Micro-organisms are primarily used to produce industrial enzymes through safe gene transfer methods. The first industrially produced microbial enzyme was obtained from the fungal amylase in  1896 and has been used to treat indigestion and various other digestive disorders.

• • 1. 1. Vitamins and Antibiotics –

Vitamins are organic compounds that can perform many essential functions in our bodies. These are essential micronutrients that the body needs in small amounts for its metabolism like thiamine, folic acid, vitamin b12, etc. Our body will not be able to synthesize all these vitamins, so we must get them with food.

INDUSTRIALLY IMPORTANT MICROORGANISMS –

They are important for converting chemicals that help reduce pollution and the production of various metabolites such as ethanol, butanol, lactic acid, and riboflavin. For example, microbes can be used to make biofertilizers or to reduce metal contaminants. Microbes can also be used to make some non-microbial foods, such as insulin for diabetes.

INDUSTRIAL USES OF MICROBES –

• Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewing and baking bread )
• E. coli (bacteria such as recombinant protein)
• Aspergillus niger (a fungus for the production of citric acid and enzymes)
• Clostridium butyclicum (bacteria used in yogurt and cheese)
• Xanthomonas campestri (xanthan gum-producing bacteria)
• Deinococcus radiorans (bacteria for soil and water restoration)

MICROORGANISMS IN FOOD PRODUCTION 

Microorganisms are used in all sorts of food production : Dairy production, meat production, alcohol production, health food production.

• Dairy Production –

Making cheese is not possible without  starter culture. As the culture grows in  milk, it converts sugar-lactose to lactic acid. This provides the right level of acidity and moisturizes the cheese. As the cheese ripens,  culture gives it a balanced aroma, flavor, and texture as the cheese ripens. It is also  the cause of “holes” in cheese such as Emmental.

• Meat Production –

Starter cultures are used to make dry fermented foods such as salami, pepperoni, chorizo ​​, and dried ham. Lactobacilli develop the taste and color of food. In addition, various shapes are used to ripen the surface of the sausage, preserving the natural properties of the product and regulating the development of flavor.

• Alcohol Production –

Yeast is responsible for the fermentation process that produces alcohol in wine. Lactic acid bacteria also play an important role in converting the unstable malic acid  naturally present in wine into  stable lactic acid. These strains give the stability properties of high-quality wines, which are enhanced during storage.

• Health Food Production –

Lactobacilli are used in the health food industry in a variety of tablets and sold as supplements. The busy lifestyle of modern people often leads to an imbalance in the intestinal flora. Travel and medical treatment are the two main causes. This balance can be restored by taking supplements containing probiotics, which can improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

Mankind has a long history of using microorganisms in agriculture, food processing, waste treatment, and in many other beneficial applications. New molecular methods used for genetically modifying the microorganisms will increase the scope of beneficial applications, like biodegradation of some toxic pollutants and also in control of some plant disease.