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.

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.

A bioreactor provides an ideal environment where cells can focus on what they are supposed to do: proliferate. Like lab workers, cells can only produce consistently good work if the conditions are right: it should not be too hot or too cold, and they have to have enough nutritious food and fresh air. In terms of a bioreactor, this means maintaining pH, temperature, ensuring sufficient gas supply and, depending on how the instrument has been configured, adding nutrients for successful maintenance of growth.