Solid state fermentation (SSF) is one of the most promising biotechnological technologies today. Its ability to transform solid matrices with low moisture content into high value-added products makes it a key solution for sectors such as agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
At Techmi Group, we promote this technology through the development of horizontal SSF biofermenters, designed to reproduce the natural growth conditions of specialized microorganisms, maximizing productivity, process stability, and resource efficiency.
What is solid-state fermentation (SSF)?
SSF is a biotechnological process in which microorganisms grow on solid substrates with limited moisture, without a free liquid phase. This environment mimics the natural habitat of many filamentous fungi, actinomycetes, and specialized bacteria, allowing:
- Higher product concentration
- Lower water consumption
- Better use of agro-industrial by-products
- More sustainable and economical processes
Thanks to these advantages, SSF has established itself as a highly efficient alternative to submerged fermentation in multiple industrial applications.
Techmi Group’s SSF horizontal bioreactor
The SSF biofermenter developed by Techmi Group has been designed to ensure control, homogeneity, and safety in solid fermentation processes at pilot and industrial scale.
Its main features include:
- Industrial hygienic design, compliant with demanding regulations
- Uniform thermal control, avoiding temperature gradients in the solid bed
- Advanced substrate management and mixing system, ensuring homogeneous fermentation
- Optimization of gas exchange, key to microbial metabolism
- Use of agro-industrial waste, promoting the circular economy
This technological approach allows SSF processes to be scaled in a reliable, reproducible, and controlled manner.
Industrial applications of SSF with Techmi technology
1. Biofertilizers and biological agricultural inputs
Solid-state fermentation is ideal for the production of beneficial microorganisms such as:
- Trichoderma
- Bacillus
- Penicillium
- Mycorrhizae
- Microbial consortia
Key advantages:
- High spore concentration
- Greater stability of the final product
- Use of agro-industrial by-products as substrate
End applications:
Biofertilizers, biostimulants, biofungicides, and plant growth promoters.
2. Production of industrial enzymes
SSF is the benchmark technology for the efficient production of enzymes such as:
- Cellulases
- Proteases
- Lipases
- Pectinases
These enzymes are used in sectors such as:
- Food
- Textiles
- Paper
- Biofuels
- Waste treatment
The high enzyme concentration obtained in SSF reduces downstream costs and improves process profitability.
3. Functional foods and protein fortification
Solid fermentation allows for:
- Improve the digestibility of raw materials
- Reduce anti-nutritional factors
- Increase vitamins and bioactive compounds
Applications:
- Fermented flours
- Functional ingredients
- Protein supplements
Particularly relevant in the development of healthier and more sustainable foods.
4. Plant-based meat analogues (PBMA)
SSF is a key technology for the production of:
- Micoproteínas
- Fibras fúngicas estructuradas
These biomaterials make it possible to obtain natural textures similar to meat, with high nutritional value and excellent technological functionality.
Applications:
Ingredients for plant-based meats with better flavor, texture, and protein profile.
5. Antibiotics and bioactive metabolites
Solid-state fermentation is highly efficient for the synthesis of:
- Penicillins
- Statins
- Natural pigments
- Antimicrobial metabolites
These compounds are essential in:
- Biological control
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Nutraceutical applications
6. Organic acids and biofuels
Using SSF, it is possible to produce:
- Citric acid
- Lactic acid
- Succinic acid
- Second-generation ethanol
- Lipid biomass
Transforming agricultural waste into high-value chemical and energy products, reinforcing sustainable production models.
Solid-state fermentation is one of the most versatile, efficient, and sustainable technologies in modern biotechnology. With Techmi Group’s SSF biofermenter, companies can scale up processes with greater productivity, lower resource consumption, and optimal use of raw materials.
At Techmi Group, we combine engineering, biotechnology knowledge, and industrial experience to deliver solutions that turn innovation into real results.
Discover how to implement SSF in your processes at:
www.techmigroup.com