New Developments in the Brewing Industry Using Immobilised Yeast Cell Bioreactor Systems*

The use of immobilised yeast cell systems in industry has been extensively reported in the literature. The brewing industry is closely examining immobilisation technology and evaluating its merits. Various immobilisation methods are available to researchers and the nature of the application often dictates the choice of an immobilisation matrix. Industrial scale systems utilising immobilised yeast cells adsorbed to pre-formed carriers have been used for the production of low alcohol beers and for maturation or secondary fermentation of beer. Research relating to the primary fermentation of beer continues and several groups have developed laboratory scale systems. An overview of the respective technologies is provided and several relevant industrial applications cited.