Microbial biotechnology: fundamentals, bioprocesses, and applications in industry and agriculture
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.2841Keywords:
Bioprocesses, Bioeconomy, Bioinputs, Metabolic engineeringAbstract
Microbial biotechnology has established itself as a central pillar of the bioeconomy, converting cells into "living factories" for the sustainable production of high-value compounds. This narrative review analyzed recent evidence (2020–2026) regarding biological fundamentals, bioprocess engineering, and industrial and agricultural applications. The analysis demonstrates that productive efficiency depends on the integration between the careful selection of microbiais chassis (bacteria, fungi, and microalgae) and the rigorous optimization of cultivation in bioreactors, ranging from physicochemical control to purification strategies (downstream processing). The expansion of the bioproduct portfolio, including enzymes, biopolymers, and bioinputs, is highlighted, driven by emerging technologies such as CRISPR, synthetic biology, and omics tools. It is concluded that the convergence of genetic engineering and process monitoring (PAT) is decisive for overcoming scale-up bottlenecks and ensuring economic competitiveness, reaffirming the role of microorganisms in the transition towards cleaner and more efficient global production systems
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