Researchers:
Associate Prof. Darah Ibrahim
Prof Ibrahim Che Omar
Lee Chee Keong
Pang Pei Kheng
The application and utilization of agricultural and other domestic wastes through fermentation processes and enzymatic conversation are limited due to their low volume systems. Therefore, a good and reproducible solid-state fermentation (SSF) is badly needed. Currently, solid state fermenters are relatively limited in the market worldwide. Most manufacturers are particularly interested in producing submerged fermentation systems. Therefore , this invention is made with the aim to overcome the need for mass production of microbial metabolites that have industrial potentials via SSF
The Invention
FERMOSTAT is a portable prototype of SSF unit which is used for the cultivation and fermentation processes of fungi using solid substrates such as agrowaste materials or domestic wastes. The unit acts as a bioreactor for the bioconversion of solid wastes into useful products. The fermenter is equipped with sets of control systems for temperature, agitation rate, stirring frequency and also outlets for sampling and inlets for inoculum and substrate additions. The unique of this system is that it has in situ sterilization. This invention is new and is not an improvement of any existing product.
Advantages
The FERMSOSTAT has been designed to be applicable for a wide rage of SSF processes such as:
- The production of microbial metabolites
- Flavouring compounds
- Biomass
- Animal feeds
- Compost
- Antimicrobial compounds
- Fermentable sugars
It is also applicable for fermentation processes of coffee and cocoa beans to enhance their flavouring properties.
The prototype represents an economical, feasible, low cost system, low energy consumption and environmental friendly in the development of SSF processes.
For more information, please contact Associate Prof. Darah Ibrahim at the Expert link below or Universiti Sains Malaysia at the contact link above.
