Microbes, or microorganisms, are tiny organisms that are found everywhere in the world and play a vital role in many processes. They can be found in soil, water, and even inside our bodies, and they are essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems. In recent years, microbes have also been used in a variety of industrial applications, ranging from the production of food and drinks to the treatment of waste and the production of biofuels.
One of the most well-known industrial uses of microbes is in the production of food and drinks. Many fermented products, such as bread, beer, and yogurt, rely on the action of specific microbes to produce the desired flavors and textures. For example, baker's yeast is used to ferment dough and produce the carbon dioxide that gives bread its fluffy texture. Similarly, lactic acid bacteria are used to ferment milk and produce the tangy flavor and thick consistency of yogurt.
Another important industrial use of microbes is in the treatment of waste. Microbes are used in sewage treatment plants to break down organic matter and remove contaminants from wastewater. This process, known as biological treatment, relies on the ability of certain bacteria and other microbes to break down complex organic molecules into simpler compounds that can be safely released into the environment. In addition, microbes can be used to break down organic waste in landfills, reducing the amount of methane gas that is produced and helping to prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
Microbes are also being explored as a source of biofuels. Some types of bacteria can be used to convert plant material or other organic matter into biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel. This process, known as biofuel production, has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help to combat climate change.
In addition to these applications, microbes are being used in a wide range of other industrial processes, such as the production of chemicals, the cleanup of oil spills, and the production of bioplastics. The use of microbes in industry is an exciting and rapidly evolving field, and there is still much to be learned about the potential of these tiny organisms.
Overall, the industrial uses of microbes are diverse and have the potential to make a significant impact on many different industries. From the production of food and drinks to the treatment of waste and the production of biofuels, microbes are playing an increasingly important role in modern society. As our understanding of these tiny organisms continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more exciting and innovative uses for microbes in the future.
The Role of Microorganisms in Industrial Products
Shampi Jain, an agricultural economist is presently working as Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture Science, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, India. Microbes used as biological agents: Biocontrol directs biological techniques for controlling plant diseases and pests. Different types of vitamins and the microbes used for their production are mentioned below in the given table: Vitamins Microbes used Vitamin B Probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Vitamin B 12 Pseudomonas denitrificans, Bacillus megaterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii Biotin, Thiamine, folate and pantothenic acid Gut bacteria Vitamin K Members of the gut microbiota Riboflavin Microflora of the large intestine Cobalamin Salmonella typhimurium Fig: Different Types of Vitamins 6. Microbes are the reason for many diseases in humans and animals, but not all microbes are harmful in various ways. Some important vitamins microbial source are as follows. BOD is the amount of oxygen consumed if all the organic matter in a litre of sewage is oxidised by bacteria. Int J Genom 2016:1—14.
Bacteria and Their Industrial Importance
The microbes present in the sewage itself help in the treatment. The detergents used to remove oily stains contain enzymes such as lipases derived from microbes. Moreover, they usually multiply at a high rate, as evidenced by the 20-minute generation time for Escherichia coli under ideal conditions. Spoilage of Domestic Articles Bacteria such as Cellulomonas attack textiles, leathers, canvas, and wood articles, causing them to degrade… Denitrification occurs when bacteria such as PSEUDOMONAS, which live in waterlogged soil, take oxygen from the nitrates and convert them to gaseous nitrogen forms. Two everyday products obtained from fermentation in industrial processes are fermented beverages, malt grains, broths, fruit juices, and antibiotics.
Facts at your Fingertips: Industrial Microorganisms
Other proteases find value as liquid glues, laundry presoaks, meat tenderizers, drain openers, and spot removers. Microorganisms are majorly used for the production of industrial enzymes through the safe gene transfer methods. The citric acid Aspergillus niger , Gluconic acid Aspergillus niger , Fumaric acid Rhizopus arrhizus , Acetic acid or vinegar Acetobacter aceti , Butyric Acid Clostridium butylicum , Lactic acid. Microbes in sewage use: We, Humans, make large amounts of water waste every day; a major part of this water waste is human faeces; this municipal water waste is called sewage. Indiscriminate use of fertilizer in soil, barren land, various pollutants present in atmosphere result unhealthy environment for the living beings. Biomed Res Int 2015:1—9.
