Microbiologie Industrielle

I.1. Microbiology:

Microbiology is a subdiscipline of biology devoted to the study of microorganisms. Microorganisms constitute an extremely diverse group of microscopic organisms: bacteria, fungi, protozoa (parasites), archaea and viruses. They are distinguished from each other by their shape, size and lifestyle.

They form a group of organisms invisible to the naked eye. Their size is generally less than a millimeter: they must be observed under a microscope (photonic/optical or electronic) and cultured in media allowing their growth and isolation.

   I.2. Industrial microbiology:

Industrial Microbiology is interested in microorganisms of interest (“tools”) used in manufacturing, transformation or degradation processes for industrial purposes. It uses microorganisms cultivated on a large scale either to produce molecules or substances with added value, or to carry out delicate chemical steps.

Applications range from the production of biomolecules for chemistry or energy, but also the transformation of raw materials into fermented foods.

     I.3. The areas of activity of industrial microbiology:

The main areas of activity of industrial microbiology are:

  Agri-food sector: several food products come from industrial fermentation: yogurt, cheese, bread, wine, vinegar, etc. .Several organic acids are also produced industrially by microbial means, such as acetic acid and citric acid.

  Pharmaceutical field: bacteria and fungi are the source of 80% of antibiotics on the market. Vitamins, hormones and vaccines are also produced using microorganisms.

  Field of bioremediation and environmental depollution: Thanks to their ability to biotransform toxic pollutants, microorganisms can be used in the decontamination of polluted environments, this process is called bioremediation.

  Renewable energy field: organic waste can be converted by microorganisms into biogas (methane) or bioethanol, which are then used as fuels to replace fossil energy.

  Chemical field: The synthesis of amino acids (L-methionine, L-lysine, L-tryptophan) and organic solvents can also be carried out using microbes for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

  Agricultural field: Biofertilizers and biopesticides produced by microorganisms and organic farming are used today to control pest populations to avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

    I.4. Benefits of using microorganisms in industry:

The use of microorganisms in industry provides a wide range of products and services. They have proven particularly useful because of:

• Their easy cultivation;

• Their very short generation time;

• Their high growth speed.

• Their ability to be grown on cheap substrates, which in many cases are waste from the food industry

• Are easy to manipulate genetically, which allows strains to be improved.