UPSTREAM PROCESS

9. UPSTREAM PROCESS
• Upstream processing in industrial
microbiology encompasses the initial steps of
biomanufacturing, focusing on microorganism
selection, genetic improvement, media formulation,
and cultivation in bioreactors to maximize product
yield.
• It involves developing an active inoculum, sterilizing,
and optimizing growth conditions (pH, temperature,
oxygen) to produce high-quality biomass or
metabolites.

10. Steps:
• Microorganism Selection and Modification: Isolating, screening, and
improving strains (e.g., bacteria, fungi) for enhanced product
formation.
• Media Formulation and Sterilization: Preparing nutrients (carbon,
nitrogen sources, salts) and ensuring sterility of the medium and
equipment to prevent contamination.
• Inoculum Development: Scaling up the culture from lab scale to
industrial scale (seed train) to ensure a healthy, active population for
the main fermenter.
• Bioreactor Cultivation: Managing fermentation parameters like pH,
temperature, agitation, and aeration within fermenters to optimize
growth.
• Cell Harvesting: Collecting the cells or culture broth, often using
centrifugation or filtration, before transferring the product to
downstream processing.