Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Customization of Aspergillus niger Morphology Through Addition of Talc Micro Particles
Published on: March 15, 2012
Growth control agent for filamentous fungi: FDM based 3D printed cubes for suspended Aspergillus sojae fermentation
1Göynük Culinary Arts Vocational School, Akdeniz University, Kemer, Antalya, 07994, Turkey; Faculty of Engineering, Department of Food Engineering, Akdeniz University, Konyaaltı, Antalya, 07070, Turkey.
Abstract:
The main problem for submerged fermentation of filamentous fungi is the nutrition limitation with high cell density or cell leakage by the uncontrollable hyphae, clusters, or pellets. There are several techniques such as microparticle, immobilization, pH shifting, substrate limitation etc. for controlling filamentous fungi growth on submerged fermentation. In this research, FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) based 3D printed cubes is used for growth control agent of recombinant Aspergillus sojae for the first time. Lattice structure sizes, number of cubes and pH were chosen to be main factors of fermentation in order to study the combine effect of the factors on A. sojae fermentation. The results revealed that specific activity values are improved from 2045.96 U/mg (the highest control activity) to 3291.67 U/mg with lower pellet sizes and controllable growth. FDM based 3D printed cubes was successfully controlled the recombinant Aspergillus sojae fermentation and enhanced β-mannanase production. In addition, this research was also showed that FDM based 3D printed cubes also have the potential to be used as immobilization materials like SLS based 3D printed products in further research.
Insights
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printed cubes controlled filamentous fungi growth in submerged fermentation. This method enhanced beta-mannanase production by Aspergillus sojae and offered potential as immobilization material.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Bioprocess Engineering
Background:
- Submerged fermentation of filamentous fungi faces challenges like nutrient limitation and uncontrolled growth (hyphae, pellets).
- Existing methods to control fungal growth include microparticles, immobilization, pH shifting, and substrate limitation.
- Recombinant Aspergillus sojae is a key microorganism for producing enzymes like beta-mannanase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) based 3D printed cubes as a novel growth control agent for recombinant Aspergillus sojae in submerged fermentation.
- To evaluate the combined effects of lattice structure size, number of cubes, and pH on A. sojae fermentation performance.
- To assess the potential of FDM 3D printed cubes for enhancing beta-mannanase production and controlling fungal morphology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized FDM-based 3D printed cubes with varying lattice structures as a novel scaffold for controlling Aspergillus sojae growth.
- Optimized fermentation parameters including lattice structure size, number of cubes, and pH.
- Quantified beta-mannanase production and assessed fungal morphology (pellet size, growth control).
Main Results:
- Achieved a significant increase in specific beta-mannanase activity from 2045.96 U/mg to 3291.67 U/mg.
- Demonstrated effective control over fungal growth, leading to smaller pellet sizes and reduced cell leakage.
- Successfully enhanced beta-mannanase production by recombinant Aspergillus sojae using FDM 3D printed cubes.
Conclusions:
- FDM-based 3D printed cubes are effective in controlling filamentous fungi morphology during submerged fermentation.
- This approach significantly enhances the production of beta-mannanase by recombinant Aspergillus sojae.
- FDM 3D printed cubes show promise as a versatile immobilization material for future bioprocess applications.
