Aseptic Conditions

Aseptic conditions are required to ensure that no baceria microorganisms enter the fermenter. If they did, it could cause the entire culture to be destroyed. The fermenter, and process is therfore adjusted to ensure they cannot enter the system:

• Washing: Removed the majority of the culture medium
• Disinfecting: Kills microorganisms
• Steam Cleaning: The heat kils the microorganisms and gets into all parts of the fermenter.

Specific parts are also designed to keep microorganisms and bacteria out:

• Inlet and outlet pipes all have filters
• All joints are sealed
• The surfaces of the fermenter are smooth and polished so that there are no rough surfaces for microorganisms to enter and hide in.

Finally, the culture medium is also sterilised to ensure there are no live microorganisms in it before it is put into the fermenter.