An Overview of Biotechnological Processes in the Food Industry

Due to market demand for natural products, the problems associated with climate change, and the limitations associated with chemical extraction processes, the use of biotechnological processes has attracted more attention as an alternative method of obtaining commercial products. These methods are applicable in the pharmaceutical, textile, and, especially, in the food sector. Companies such as Novozyme, DuPont, BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG and DSM, and several others have invested in the biotechnology sector in order to obtain new methods to optimize these processes, as well as to develop products of commercial interest (e.g. enzymes, polysaccharides, pigments, organic acids, flavors, and surfactants). Thus, there is great importance in the development of bioprocesses, from the selection of microorganisms to the optimization and elevation of the fermentative scale. The overall aim is the establishment of viable processes for obtaining industrial products for the food industry.