IS IT SAFE?! Aspergillus niger: Versatile Fungus in Food and Biotechnology

IS IT SAFE?!

**Aspergillus niger: Versatile Fungus in Food and Biotechnology**

Aspergillus niger is a black mold fungus that is commonly found and utilized in the food and biotechnology industries. It has numerous commercial applications due to its ability to produce enzymes and metabolites used in various processes. Here are some examples of the uses of Aspergillus niger and its processes:

1. **Production of Industrial Enzymes:** Aspergillus niger is used to produce enzymes such as amylases, pectinases, cellulases, and proteases. These enzymes find application in the food industry for carbohydrate breakdown, juice clarification, softening of fruits and vegetables, as well as in the production of alcohol and various chemicals.

2. **C-Vitamin Production:** Aspergillus niger is also a source of C-vitamin (ascorbic acid) production. By cultivating the fungus in the presence of sugar or glycerol, it can produce C-vitamin, which can then be extracted and utilized.

3. **Production of Organic Acids:** Aspergillus niger is known for its production of organic acids like citric acid and gluconic acid. These acids are used in the food industry as flavor enhancers, pH regulators, and preservatives.

The process for extracting these substances using Aspergillus niger typically involves the following steps:

1. **Inoculation:** A starter culture of Aspergillus niger is cultivated in a suitable medium containing carbohydrates, nitrogen, minerals, and other nutrients.

2. **Fermentation:** The fungus is grown in larger vessels (bioreactors) under controlled conditions of temperature, pH, and oxygen availability. During this phase, the fungus grows and produces enzymes or metabolites.

3. **Harvesting:** Once the fungus has produced the desired enzymes or metabolites, it is harvested. This can be done through filtration, centrifugation, or other methods depending on the properties of the substance.

4. **Isolation and Purification:** The desired enzymes or metabolites are isolated from the fungus and the surrounding cultivation medium. They can then be purified to obtain cleaner products.

5. **Utilization:** The resulting enzymes or metabolites are used in various industrial applications, as mentioned above.