Effect of particle size, packing density and agitation on penicillin production in solid state fermentation.

The use of a large particle size (14 mm) support (sugar cane bagasse) increased penicillin production by solid state fermentation by 37 %, however this effect was due to a higher sugar concentration in this bagasse fraction. Cultures with closer packing densities (0.35) produced 20 % more penicillin. Agitation did not have a negative effect on production if moisture loss during the operation is restituted.