Engineering aspects of solid state fermentation.

Engineering aspects of solid state fermentation
have not been available in spite of the recent interest in
the technique and the appearance of a number of reviews
on this subject. The present state of the art regarding
substrate uptake, oxygen transfer, growth characteristics,
growth estimation, control systems for maintaining parameters,
mathematical models, design of fermenters and
automation of fermentations does not provide a detailed
insight. The work carried out at the Central Food Technological
Research Institute, Mysore, on the development
of a large-scale solid state fermenter, .comparative cost
estimation of SSF and submerged fermentation as well
as development of know-how for production of a variety
of food enzymes, has led to the commercial exploitation
of the technology by industry. Future R &D needs in this
area, neglected at present but yet so promising, are indicated.