Microbial fermentations with immobilized cells

Immobilization of microbial cells in biological processes can occur either as a natural phenomenon or through artificial process. While the attached cells in natural habitat exhibit significant growth, the artificially immobilized cells are allowed restricted growth. Since the time first reports of successful application of immobilized cells in industrial applications, several research groups worldover have attempted whole-cell immobilization as a viable alternative to conventional microbial fermentations. Various immobilization protocols and numerous carrier materials were tried. The cell immobilization process has also triggered our interest in bioreactor design. Using immobilized cells, different bioreactor configurations were reported with variable success. The study on the physiology of immobilized cells and development of noninvasive measuring techniques have remarkably improved our understanding on microbial metabolism under immobilized state.