Development of freeze-dried starter cultures on a pilot scale

Scope description:

The production of starter culture cell biomass using a 50 L bioreactor. The cell biomass will be subjected to freeze-drying and can be received in dried form.

Laboratory to which access is provided:

Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace.

Laboratory equipment that will be available:

All necessary laboratory equipment, including a 50 L bioreactor, autoclave, laminar flow cabinet, centrifuges, -80°C deep freezer, freeze-dryer, and other laboratory equipment. 

Methods that are used in the laboratory:

The pilot scale cell biomass production methodology has been developed in the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology and is based on the use of a 50 L bioreactor and freeze-drying as a drying process.

Permitted time to access the laboratory:

Access to equipment and lab facilities is provided during working hours for a maximum of 5 days per user.

Time period for access to the service:

1 June – 30 July and 1 September – 20 September 2023

Information – Clarifications:

In the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics you will find well-trained staff, as well as all the necessary equipment you will need to produce freeze-dried starter cultures on a pilot scale, using a 50 L bioreactor. You will be able to bring your microbial culture and our research team will help you use the pilot scale production facility. At the end of the process, you will be able to receive a quantity of the culture in freeze-dried form (powder). All necessary reagents/materials will be available to enable you to complete the procedure. You are allowed to inoculate one strain/culture in 35 L culture medium.The research questions they want to investigate.