Immobilization of Microbial Cells in Food Fermentation Processes

The purpose of this review is to emphasize existing trends and recent advances in the application of immobilized cell technology so as to implement some innovations in food industry associated with processing, preservation, and storage of the products based on the food safety issues. Attention is focused on the engineering aspects of the immobilized cell techniques with emphasis on the mass-balance-based mathematical modeling of the system. Some aspects of models for safety, quality, and competitiveness of the food processing sector are also presented. Ultimately, development of products with novel properties within the alcoholic beverages, meat processing/preservation, manufacture of cheese and bread, sweeteners and pigments, as well as nutraceuticals is also addressed.