The morphology of filamentous fungi in submerged cultivations as a bioprocess parameter

Morphological characteristics of mycelial submerged cultures have been esta blished as one of the key bioprocess parameters. The morphological type and the related physiology strongly depend on environmental conditions in the bioreactor, and in turn affect the rheological properties of the broth and thereby bioreactor performance. Accordingly, the productivity and energy co nsumption of the process are functions of the morphology. This review treat s fungal morphology with related rheological properties and metabolic activ ity by emphasizing the influence of engineering variables on biomass growth . Besides, the literature concerning interrelation between the morphology a nd bioreactor performance including some aspects of bioprocess design is re viewed.