Fermentation

Fermentation utilizes the ability of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, yeasts or fungi, to convert inexpensive raw materials into expensive end-products. When DSM acquired Gistbrocades in 1998 we inherited 130 years of fermentation experience. The competence covers the entire field of large-scale bioprocessing including strain improvement, fermentation process development and optimization, scaling-up, downstream processing and (bio)analytics.

Our pluGbug® technology gives us quick access to all kinds of fermentation products via a small number of well-known production strains. Well-embedded in the fermentation competence are molecular biology techniques such as genomics, directed mutation and metabolic pathway engineering (MPE). DSM has rich fermentation experience in large-scale production of secondary metabolites like antibiotics, antifungals and pigments as well as bioactive proteins. The latter product segment contains biocatalysts, industrial enzymes and biopharmaceuticals.

Other fermentation products include dairy starter cultures, vitamins (like vitamin B12) which have specific applications in various branches of the food industry.

For anyone encountering a natural product, a therapeutic protein, a complex chiral compound (examples), or a chemical requiring a lengthy synthetic route, then fermentation could well be the preferred technology for production. DSM's comprehensive technology, knowledge-base and highly-developed fermentation toolbox are professionally inclined to serve customers for achieving optimal results in a short period.