An Overview of the Production of Precursors, Antibiotics and Useful Products Using Microorganisms Immobilized in a Gel Structure

Teruel Mahmoud*^*
*Correspondence: Teruel Mahmoud*, Department of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Satbayev University, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan, Email:

Introduction

Microorganisms have long been recognized as potent sources of bioactive compounds, enzymes, and other useful products. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the production of high-value products using microorganisms, particularly in the context of biotechnological processes. Immobilization of microorganisms in gel structures is one of the strategies that has gained attention for enhancing the production of various biochemical products, including antibiotics, precursors, and other useful metabolites. The use of gel-based immobilization methods not only improves the efficiency of microbial cultures but also allows for the recycling and reuse of microorganisms in continuous processes, making it an attractive approach for industrial-scale production. This comprehensive overview explores the production of precursors, antibiotics, and useful products using microorganisms immobilized in a gel structure, examining the advantages, challenges, and the future prospects of this technique.

Description

One of the most notable examples of antibiotic production through immobilized microorganisms is the production of penicillin, a widely used antibiotic derived from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in optimizing penicillin production through the use of immobilized cells. Immobilization of Penicillium chrysogenum in alginate beads has been shown to increase the stability and productivity of penicillin production compared to free cells, with higher yields and improved resistance to environmental stresses. The use of immobilized cells also allows for a more efficient recovery of the antibiotic from the fermentation broth, further improving the economic feasibility of the process. Similarly, other antibiotics, such as streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, have been successfully produced using immobilized microorganisms, demonstrating the versatility of this approach in enhancing the efficiency and yield of antibiotic production [1,2]. In addition to antibiotics, microorganisms immobilized in gel structures have been used to produce a variety of other useful products, including biofuels, enzymes, amino acids, organic acids, and various secondary metabolites. One of the most promising applications of immobilized microorganisms is in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are gaining increasing importance as renewable energy sources. The use of immobilized yeast cells, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for ethanol production has been extensively studied, with significant improvements in fermentation efficiency and product yield reported. Immobilizing yeast cells in a gel matrix provides a stable environment for the cells to ferment sugars into ethanol, and the reuse of the immobilized cells in successive fermentation cycles further increases the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the process. The production of amino acids, which are essential components of proteins and play a crucial role in various metabolic processes, is another area where immobilized microorganisms have shown promise. Amino acids such as glutamic acid, lysine, and phenylalanine are produced on an industrial scale for use in animal feed, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. The immobilization of microorganisms, such as Corynebacterium glutamicum, in gel matrices has been used to enhance the production of glutamic acid. The ability to reuse the immobilized cells in multiple fermentation cycles has led to significant improvements in productivity, making the process more costeffective and sustainable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of immobilized microorganisms in gel structures represents a promising and versatile approach for the production of antibiotics, precursors, and other useful products. By enhancing the stability, activity, and reusability of microorganisms, this technique offers several advantages over traditional methods, including increased yields, improved process efficiency, and reduced production costs. However, challenges related to substrate diffusion, cell viability, and scalability must be addressed to fully realize the potential of this approach in industrial applications. With continued research and innovation, gel-based immobilization methods are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of industrial biotechnology, offering sustainable solutions for the production of high-value bio-based products.

References

1. Yang, Lina, Dehua Hu, Hailing Liu and Xiangfeng Wang, et al. "Biodegradation pathway of penicillins by Ã?-lactamase encapsulated in metal-organic frameworks." J Hazard Mat 414 (2021): 125549.

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2. Herkommerová, Klára, Jana Zemancíková, Hana Sychrová, and Zuzana Antošová. "Immobilization in polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel enhances yeast storage stability and reusability of recombinant laccase-producing S. cerevisiae." Biotechnol Lett 40 (2018): 405-411.

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