What is Fermentation Contamination?

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During the fermentation process, the entry of microorganisms other than the production strain (the desired microorganism) into the fermentation broth results in the loss of pure culture status. This situation is referred to as "contamination."

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Possible Negative Impacts of Contamination on the Fermentation Industry

Contamination remains the biggest challenge in the fermentation industry. In mild cases, it may affect product yield, recovery rate, and quality. In severe cases, it can lead to complete failure of production, massive raw material waste, serious economic losses, disruption of production schedules, and delays in planning. If contamination becomes frequent, cannot be traced, or is not properly addressed, it may significantly impact employee morale and motivation, leading to unpredictable consequences.

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Impact of Contamination at Different Stages of Fermentation

• Contamination During the Seed Culture Stage:
  The seed culture is used to grow and increase the number of microorganisms in preparation for fermentation. In seed tanks, microorganism density is low and the nutrient content is rich, which increases the risk of contamination. If a contaminated seed enters the fermentation tank, the damage can be severe. Therefore, contamination in this stage must be strictly controlled. If detected, the system must be sterilized, the seed discarded, and all equipment such as tanks and pipelines must be carefully checked and fully sterilized.

• Contamination During the Early Stage of Fermentation:
  During this stage, microorganisms are actively growing and reproducing, but metabolite production is still low. It is a sensitive phase. If contamination occurs, harmful microorganisms may rapidly multiply, compete with the production strain for nutrients, significantly disrupting its growth and production or even killing it.

• Contamination During the Mid Stage of Fermentation:
  At this point, nutrients in the environment are rapidly depleted, and the growth and metabolism of the production strain are severely affected. Some harmful microbes may produce acidic substances, lowering the pH, quickly depleting sugars and nitrogen, causing microbial autolysis, stickiness in the broth, and excessive foam formation, which ultimately reduce or halt metabolite production. In some cases, even the produced products may be destroyed. Contamination at this stage is often irrecoverable and leads to major losses. Thus, early detection and fast response are critical.

• Contamination During the Final Stage of Fermentation:
  At this stage, most of the nutrients such as sugar and nitrogen are already consumed, and product accumulation is significant. Therefore, the impact of contamination is relatively minor. If the contamination level is not too high, fermentation may still proceed.

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Today, it is essential to upgrade production technologies, manage every stage of the process carefully, and closely monitor high-risk points that may lead to contamination. When contamination occurs, it is critical to identify the cause quickly and take effective measures to minimize losses.

Biochem - Turnkey | Shandong Changcheng Biotechnology Co., controls critical steps in fermentation production, eliminates microbial contamination risks, and offers the following next-generation ambient-temperature sterilization technologies:

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• Fermentation Antibacterial Solution:
  Minimizes harmful microorganisms, prevents the proliferation of environmental bacteria, and effectively solves sterilization issues in filter membranes.

• Fermentation Area Sterilization:
  Provides ambient-temperature sterilization suitable for human-machine collaborative work in large-scale fermentation workshops, without the need for high temperature or pressure.

• Air Ventilation System Sterilization:
  Using VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) sterilization technology in air compressor pipelines, harmful microorganisms in the pipes are eliminated quickly and with almost zero corrosion.

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Biochem - Turnkey | Shandong Changcheng Biotechnology Co., guarantees microbial standards in fermentation processes with its eco-friendly disinfectants and digital-automatic disinfection systems. This new ambient-temperature sterilization method solves fermentation contamination problems effectively with high efficiency, eco-friendliness, and low cost.

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With decades of experience in fermentation production, Biochem - Turnkey | Shandong Changcheng Biotechnology Co., can provide detailed insights into contamination issues. Mr. Wang, an expert with extensive field experience, can assist your facility directly, offering solutions for contamination problems—especially those caused by bacteriophages and harmful microorganisms.

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This new generation ambient-temperature sterilization method relies on imported antibacterial solutions and ensures sterile conditions throughout the fermentation process, thereby preventing microbial contamination and preserving product safety and quality.

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Biochem - Turnkey | Shandong Changcheng Biotechnology Co., also provides:

• In-tank sterilization (empty tank sterilization),

• Fermentation area sterilization,

• Sterilization of filter membranes used in fermentation broth.

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Advantages of this ambient-temperature sterilization method include:

• Complete elimination of harmful microorganisms in fermentation tanks.

• Eco-friendly, safe, and human-health compatible.

• No need for high temperature or pressure.

• Preserves product quality, flavor, and color.

• Increases fermentation success rates.

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Unlike traditional steam sterilization methods, this new ambient-temperature sterilization technology from Biochem - Turnkey | Shandong Changcheng Biotechnology Co., features:

• Comprehensive and professional sterilization equipment (area sterilization devices, smart fogging machines, portable internal sterilizers),

• Rich experience in contamination removal,

• Imported Norph antibacterial solution.