5 Food Production using Microorganisms

How does yeast help make bread?

When yeast carries out anaerobic respiration, it produces carbon dioxide and ethanol. The carbon dioxide makes the bread rise.

How do Bacteria help make yoghurt?

When you add Lactobacillus bulgaricus to milk, the bacteria use the lactose in the milk for anaerobic respiration. They produce lactic acid as a waste product which reduces the pH and gives the yoghurt its sour taste.

First step of Yoghurt production

1. All equipment is sterilised to kill other, unwanted bacteria. This prevents food poisoning and other diseases, contamination and competition with Lactobacillus bulgaricus for the lactose in the milk.

2nd step of yoghurt production

2. Pasteurisation of milk by heating it to 72 degrees for to kill other unwabted bacteria. This prevents contamination, food poisoning, diseases and competition with lactobacillus bulgaricus for the lactose in the milk.

3rd step of yoghurt production

3. Lactobacillus is added and incubated at 37-44 degrees(which is the optimum temperature for its growth and fermentation)for several hours.

4th step of yoghurt production

4. The bacteria ferment the lactose and converts it to lactic acid, lowering the pH which makes the milk solidify and gives it the sour taste.

5th step of yoghurt production

5. Thikened yoghurt is cooled to about 5 degrees.

6th step of yoghurt production

6. Flavours and fruits can be added.

Fermenters

Large containers where microorganism are grown in industry.

What conditions do the industrial fermenters control?

1. Aseptic (sterile) conditions

2. Nutrients and growth

3. Optimum temperature

4. Optimum pH

5. Oxygenation

6. Agitation

Why and how is aseptic condition controlled?

Fermenter is cleaned using steam to kill other, unwanted bacteria to prevent contamination, food poisoning, diseases and competition.

Why and how are nutrient conditions controlled?

Nutrients are needed for use in respiration to release energy for growth and reproduction of the organisms. Nutrients are added through the food inlet.

Why and how is the optimum temperature controlled?

An optimal temperature is maintained using a cooled water jacket, as reactions release heat. Optimum temperature needs to be ensured for enzymes so they do not denature when the temperature is too high.

Why and how is optimum pH controlled?

The pH control reservoir adds acid or akali when needed to ensure an optimum pH for the enzymes and microorganisms are also sensitive to changes in pH which Kay occur due to metabolic processes.

Why and how is oxygenation controlled?

Oxygen is needed for aerobic respiration. Sterile air is pumped in at the bottom through the air inlet.

How is Agitation controlled?

Stirring paddles ensure that nutrients, oxygen, temperature and pH are evenly distributed throughout the fermenter. It also prevents the microorganisms settling off at the bottom.