Starter cultures spray drying

The fermentation is usually continuous it proceeds under sterile conditions, at constant temperature, and is started with a defined starter culture to avoid side products as far as possible. Several processes were developed Shell had originally introduced a process that used methane (natural gas) as the feedstock for SCP production. The microorganisms are cultured in an aqueous medium at temperatures of 42 to 45°C and at a pH value of 6.8 under semisterile conditions. The final fermentation broth contains protein at a concentration of 25 g/L. The biomass is concentrated in large sedimentation tanks and then spray-dried. The mass balance equation (Eq. 9.3) shows that large volumes of oxygen are needed and that carbon dioxide and heat must be removed from the reactor. 

Bielecka, M. and Majkowska, A. Effect of spray drying temperature of yoghurt on the survival of starter cultures, moisture content and sensoric properties of yoghurt powder, Nahrung, 44, 257, 2000. 

Spray drying for the production of dried starter cultures... 

Peighambardoust, S., Goshan Tafti, A., Hesari, J. (2011). Application of spray drying for preservation of lactic acid starter cultures a review. Trends in Food Science Technology, 22, 215-224. 

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