Harnessing microorganisms as micro-factories to help to feed a global population

Supporting precision fermentation 

Today, fermentation might play an important role in the drive to reduce food waste, and could offer a sustainable approach to producing nutritious food for a growing global population.^[1] Advances in microbiology, biotechnology and engineering have also opened up opportunities to develop new precision fermentation processes that harness engineered microorganisms as cellular factories for producing defined products, from proteins to pigments, sustainably and at scale.^[2] 

Here at GEA we think we are uniquely placed to provide key equipment and knowledge that can support R&D and commercial development within the precision fermentation field. 

Fermentation is a process by which some types of microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast – and even our own muscles during vigorous exercise – can break down glucose and other carbohydrates to generate energy anaerobically, i.e. without oxygen. The products of fermentation typically include alcohol or lactic acid. 
 
For millennia people have also harnessed microorganisms to produce fermented foods, primarily as a method for preservation, but also to change or create desired tastes, textures and other properties. From beer and wine, to salami, cheese, yoghurt and Kimchi, many fermented products that in the modern world are produced on an industrial scale, are derived from ancient processes. 

In silico modelling and physical tests

Cells propagated in bioreactors will have specific and precise needs – including the supply of nutrients and gases to optimize cell health, growth and productivity, and minimize the production of unwanted byproducts and waste. Whatever your cell type and final product, we can apply our state-of-the-art modelling and simulation tools to help design and fine tune your precision fermentation process virtually, before or after  testing out in pilot scale equipment. 

These test results can provide a key baseline of conditions that will  support the growth, health and productivity of your cell type. From this data we can simulate the likely requirements for scale up to commercial production volumes. It’s our aim to give you confidence in your process and equipment, before you invest. We believe that using our knowhow and technologies we are uniquely placed to generate the insight into cell behavior and bioreactor conditions that will help reduce risk and facilitate efficient, productive scale up.