Biofilms and fluidized bed fermentation

The exploitation of biofilms in industrial processes such as wastewater treatment and metabolite production is described. In this way it is intended to highlight the positive aspects of biofilms, and provide a contrast with the negative associations which these microbial aggregations normally have. In particular, the exploitation of adhesive microbes in fluidized bed operation is discussed. A range of processes is outlined, from wastewater treatment to the production of ethanol, enzymes, and antibiotics. These various processes use a range of cell types; which has required the modification of the basic design of FB bioreactor, e.g. for anaerobic or aerobic operation; and for bacteria, actinomycetes, or plant cells. One basic design is illustrated, and reference made to how this is modified for different fermentations.