What are the applications of fermentation?

Fermentation is a metabolic process that extracts energy from carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen. This has several important applications in several industries. 

Application of fermentation in the medical industry 

Fermentation plays a key role in several processes in the medical industry. It is instrumental in the production of antibiotics, which are formulated to inhibit or kill microscopic pathogens; and growth hormones, which are essential for therapeutic purposes. Human insulin is also produced via fermentation using recombinant DNA technology. Microbial fermentation is used to produce interferons, which are crucial for immune responses. Fermentation processes are also used in the production of some vaccines by harnessing specific microorganisms or their components. 

Application of fermentation in the food industry

A wide range of foods and drinks, including bread, cheese, beer, and wine, are produced by fermentation. Food-grade preservatives that help to maintain food quality and extend shelf life, are also produced through fermentation. Fermentation is used to produce functional foods and neutraceuticals, which are foods fortified with health-boosting ingredients; as well as protein-rich microbial biomass, which serves as an alternative protein source. 

Environmental applications of fermentation 

Fermentation is pivotal in the manufacture of biofuels such as bioethanol, butanol, biohydrogen, and biodiesel, all of which are sustainable energy alternatives. Fermentation is also involved in developing bioremediation processes in which contaminated wastewater and soils are treated with microbes or their enzymes, which helps restore environmental balance. Some types of microbial fermentations result in the production of bi-surfactants and polymers such as bacterial cellulose, which have wide-ranging industrial applications.