Abstract: The present invention includes a process for separating cells form a liquid media, a method of fermentation using such a separation, and an apparatus for conducting such a separation or for facilitating a cellular reaction.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for separating cells from a liquid media. In broadest terms, the separation process of the present invention is a process for separating cells from a liquid containing cells. The process comprises the steps of: (a) bringing the liquid containing the cells into contact with one or more microbial polysaccharide and a fibrous material so as to adsorb the cells onto the fibrous material; and (b) separating the liquid from the fibrous material so as to remove the cells from the liquid. The process of the present invention may be used to remove cells from any liquid, but such liquids typically will be aqueous solutions, such as growth media, biological fluids, diagnostic samples, aqueous test samples, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting organic materials such as sugars and acids into other organic materials such as organic acids and salts other than the starting materials with immobilized cells. The invention is applicable to the conversion of the lactose content of whey, whey permeate or other lactose containing solutions and wastes into lactic acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, and their salts. The fermentation cells may be homolactic, homoacetic and propionic bacteria. The cells are immobilized onto the surface of and within convoluted sheets of a fibrous support material and reactant bearing fluids are caused to flow between the opposing surfaces of such convoluted sheets. Lactose containing solutions such as whey and whey permeate may be co-fermented with homolactic and homoacetic bacteria to acetic acid or acetate.