Biological molecules are widely produced by fermentation technology using bacteria, fungi or yeast. Fermentation is a biochemical process wherein the rate of bioconversion is governed by the organisms involved. The growth of the organism is mainly limited by mass transfer rates of nutrients and gases that directly affect the product formation in fermentation. Attempts have been made to enhance the growth rate and yield using mutational, recombinant strain development approach at microbial level as well as fed batch and continuous processing approach at bioprocess level in the past. The growth rate of microbes can be accelerated by increased mass transfer rates and cell wall permeability with the use of controlled low frequency ultrasound irradiation. The present review provides insights into the application of acoustic cavitation in process intensification of fermentation approaches and the role of various factors involved are highlighted with typical examples.
Keywords: Cavitation; fermentation; mass transfer; process intensification; ultrasound.