Fermentation technology

SINTEF has more than 20 years experience with fermentation process development and optimization. This includes evaluation of strains, growth medium optimization and process opti¬mization, and involves application of molecular genetic methods and knowledge about microbial physiology and biochemical engineering.

SINTEF has highly efficient facilities for fermentation process development:

• A small scale fermen¬tation laboratory with fermentors (32 x 3 liter, 6 x 14 liter) with extensive computer logging and control. 16 of the 3-liter fermentors are equipped with an on-line system for exhaust gas MS-analysis. Typically, between 500 and 1000 fermentations have been run annually in this facility.
• A Pilot Plant for Bioprocesses at SINTEF/NTNU capable of handling liquid volumes in the range of 100-1500 liters and includes fermentors, centrifuges, cell homogenizer and equipment for membrane filtration and chromatography.

Examples of microorganisms used in fermentation processes:
Escherichia coli
Pseudomonas spp. (including P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, P. mendocina)
Azotobacter vinelandii
Aeromonas sp.
Vibrio sp.
Xanthomonas campestris
Lactobacillus sp.
Bacillus spp.
Clostridium sp.
Streptomyces spp.
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Brevibacterium spp.
Rhodococcus sp.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Phaffia rhodozyma
Thraustochytrids

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