In situ regeneration of spongy supports for cell entrapment

Aims of previous research works have been the improvement of the continuous fermentation and the recovery of useful resources from molasses by overcoming the inhibitions noted. This paper examines a method for doing so. It consists of a support regeneration procedure carried out by washing the reactor with a limpid sugar solution devoid of inhibiting factors. This new procedure assures the periodic in-situ regeneration of the cell support and the restoration of the optimal fermentation conditions, with no necessity of stopping the continuous process.