Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
10:51
Customization of Aspergillus niger Morphology Through Addition of Talc Micro Particles
Published on: March 15, 2012
[Aspergillus niger as a potential cellular factory: prior knowledge and key technology]
Yanmei Guo1, Ping Zheng, Jibin Sun
1Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao = Chinese Journal of Biotechnology
|January 12, 2011
Summary
Aspergillus niger is a key industrial microorganism. Advances in genomics and genetic tools are enabling its redesign into a powerful cellular factory for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Industrial biotechnology
- Microbial genetics
- Systems biology
Background:
- Aspergillus niger is a crucial microorganism in industrial applications, including enzyme, protein, and organic acid production.
- The release of the Aspergillus niger genome sequence has ushered in a new era of post-genomic research.
- Massive and rapid generation of omics data is enhancing our understanding of Aspergillus niger at molecular and systems levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the advancements in understanding Aspergillus niger.
- To highlight the development of genetic tools for Aspergillus niger.
- To discuss the potential of engineering Aspergillus niger as a cellular factory.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing and analysis
- Omics data integration (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.)
- Development and application of genome-scale genetic perturbation techniques
Main Results:
- Enhanced understanding of Aspergillus niger's hyperproduction mechanisms.
- Maturation of the genetic manipulation system for Aspergillus niger.
- Establishment of genome-scale genetic engineering capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus niger research is progressing rapidly due to genomic insights and omics data.
- The development of a mature genetic operating system allows for extensive genetic modifications.
- Aspergillus niger is being engineered into a versatile cellular factory for industrial biotechnology.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bioreactor Controls-III
Strain improvement is a foundational strategy in industrial microbiology aimed at maximizing microbial productivity, particularly because natural isolates typically yield commercially valuable products in very low concentrations. Although optimizing the culture medium and environmental conditions can improve yields, these adjustments are inherently limited by the organism’s genetic potential. As a result, the focus shifts toward genetic modifications to enhance biosynthetic capacity. The...
01:27Production of Antibiotics
Penicillin, one of the earliest and most widely used antibiotics, is produced industrially by the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. Large stirred-tank bioreactors ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of liters maintain tightly controlled temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen conditions to support fungal metabolism and maximize antibiotic yield. Penicillin is a secondary metabolite, synthesized primarily during the stationary growth phase, which requires a carefully managed...
01:30Production of Pharmaceuticals
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under sterile, tightly...
01:27Upstream Processing
Upstream processing represents a critical phase in biomanufacturing, wherein biological systems such as microorganisms, mammalian cells, or insect cells are cultivated to produce therapeutic proteins, vaccines, enzymes, or other biologically derived products. This phase encompasses all steps from the selection and genetic manipulation of the production organism to the cultivation of cells in bioreactors under tightly controlled environmental conditions.Host Selection and Genetic OptimizationThe...
01:27Production of Alcohol
Continuous fermentation is a key strategy in industrial ethanol production, particularly when efficiency, scalability, and high yields are essential. This approach allows for uninterrupted operation and optimized resource utilization. The primary feedstock, corn starch, undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis facilitated by α-amylase and glucoamylase. These enzymes break down the starch into fermentable sugars such as glucose, which are readily assimilated by fermentative microorganisms.Fermentation...
01:14Scale-Up Processes
The scale-up of microbial fermentation processes is essential in industrial biotechnology, allowing the transition from laboratory-scale experiments to commercial-scale production while aiming to maintain product yield and quality. This process requires meticulous adjustment of equipment design, process parameters, and contamination control strategies to accommodate increasing culture volumes.At the laboratory scale, cultures are typically maintained in 1 to 10-liter glass or autoclavable...