Researchers from Adamo Foods and the University of Nottingham investigated how nutritional manipulation of fermentation media, specifically the addition of iron (Fe III) and Vitamin B12, impacts the yield, texture, and nutritional profile of fungal mycelium grown for alternative meat applications. Using the INFORS HT Techfors-S pilot bioreactor, the team scaled up production from shake flasks and observed significant increases in bioaccumulation of iron and B12, with up to 97% terephthalic acid yield sustained across multiple cycles. Sensory testing of biomass processed into steaks also revealed changes in texture and flavor, highlighting the importance of bioreactor-based media optimization for developing high-quality, reproducible mycelium-based products.

In this study, researchers have optimized the purification of IL-2 no-alpha mutein using copper-catalyzed air oxidation. This process, using the INFORS HT Techfors pilot bioreactor, improves the homogeneity and biological activity of the IL-2 agonist, which shows promise in Phase I/II trials for cancer treatment.

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) in Scotland supports companies and researchers to address key challenges in biotechnology, from finding new uses for waste to developing sustainable feedstocks. By supporting researchers, startups, and SMEs, IBioIC helps move ideas out of the lab and into real-world applications that contribute to the circular bioeconomy.

Scaling microbial fermentation, when working with bacterial, fungal, or yeast-based systems, from laboratory scale to pilot or commercial production involves many challenges. Whether you are producing bacterial cultures for biopharmaceuticals, yeast for bioethanol production, fungal systems for enzyme manufacturing, or precision fermentation products, understanding these specific challenges and confidently overcoming them is important.