When developing and industrializing microbial solutions, fermentation is not simply about choosing a production technology. The right approach depends on the microorganism, the target product, the scale and, increasingly, the sustainability requirements of the process.

The advantages of solid-state fermentation

Liquid fermentation remains a powerful and versatile platform, particularly for organisms and products that require highly controlled submerged conditions. Solid-state fermentation (SSF), however, offers a different set of opportunities, particularly for filamentous fungi. By growing microorganisms on a moist solid substrate rather than in a liquid medium, SSF reduces

water use,
wastewater,
and energy

vs. liquid fermentation (due to less media prep, seed trains, and CIP), though scale-up challenges, like heat/mass transfer, exist.
Benefits, though, depend on the organism, substrate, and process design.

Solid-state fermentation, an Agrauxine expertise

But the technology itself is only part of the equation. Successful industrialization requires

the right strain,
process understanding,
scale-up expertise
and manufacturing infrastructure.

This is where Agrauxine by Lesaffre brings a differentiated capability, with more than 20 years of experience in solid-state fermentation and industrial production of filamentous microorganisms. Our Loches, France, site supports projects from feasibility and process development through scale-up and toll manufacturing.
Our capabilities extend to Van Wert, Ohio, where Agrauxine operates a site specializing in formulation and North American market access for filamentous fungi-based products.

From agricultural biocontrol and biostimulation to other emerging applications, we are continuing to explore how SSF can help our partners develop and manufacture microbial solutions at industrial scale.

Learn more about our custom fermentation

If you are working on a filamentous microorganism project and looking at feasibility, scale-up, CDMO or toll manufacturing, it would be great to connect and exchange on how SSF could fit your needs.