IX
Preface
Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is one of the oldest microbial technol-
ogies that have been applied in food processing, although neglected
for a long time. SSF technology originated in China, dating back
thousands of years. For the past 10 years, SSF has again attracted
much attention, due to the energy crisis and environmental pollution.
Scientists are trying to explore the mechanisms in the fermentation
process through multidisciplinary and different research tools. Based
on a series of established mathematical models, new design concepts
for SSF bioreactors and process control strategies have been proposed
that are taking SSF technology to new levels.
Food and beverage production is an important application field of
SSF technolog