Even though they are small, microorganisms are very profitable organisms. There are important economic sectors that use microorganisms to produce countless products and generate large sales. We consume some of these products every day. These include dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese, kefir, etc. Enzymes from various microorganisms contribute to the firmness of dough in baked goods. In fruit juices, they help to remove the turbidity caused by fruit peel, and in detergents they are responsible for removing fats, proteins and other contaminants. In Germany alone, nine billion litres of beer and over one billion litres of wine are produced with microbial help every year. The microorganisms produce ethanol from sugar. They also produce vinegar in similarly large quantities. Amino acids and vitamins as additives in food and animal feed are also global products. Not to forget: Many medically relevant active ingredients are of microbial origin. These include antibiotics, anti-tumour agents, but also coagulation factors and insulin, which is vital for diabetics. In addition, microbiological monitoring and quality control of food, drinking water, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics represent an important market. Money can also be earned through the sale of microorganisms themselves and their storage.

© Text Wolfgang Streit / VAAM, wolfgang.streit[at]uni-hamburg.de, Use according to CC 4.0

© Figure N. Kanchanaprat, pixabay